T Cell-Redirected Antigen-Binding Molecule For Cells Having Immunosuppression Function

ABSTRACT

It was discovered that antigen-binding molecules comprising (i) a domain that binds to a molecule expressed on the surface of cells having immune response-suppressing functions, and (ii) a T cell receptor complex-binding domain exhibit more superior antitumor effects than conventional antigen-binding molecules by crosslinking T cells with cells having immune response-suppressing functions, and damaging the cells having immune response-suppressing functions.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to antigen-binding molecules that enabletreatment of cancer by damaging cells having an immuneresponse-suppressing function; pharmaceutical compositions for treatingvarious carcinomas comprising the antigen-binding molecule; or methodsfor treating cancer using the pharmaceutical compositions.

BACKGROUND ART

Antibodies are drawing attention as pharmaceuticals since they arehighly stable in plasma and have few side effects. In particular, anumber of IgG-type antibody pharmaceuticals are available on the marketand many antibody pharmaceuticals are currently being developed(Non-patent Documents 1 and 2).

As cancer therapeutic agents using antibody pharmaceuticals, Rituxanagainst the CD20 antigen, Cetuximab against the EGFR antigen, Herceptinagainst the HER2 antigen, and such have been approved so far (Non-patentDocument 3). These antibody molecules bind to antigens expressed oncancer cells, and exhibit cytotoxic activity against cancer cellsthrough ADCC and such.

In contrast to such antibody pharmaceuticals that exhibit cytotoxicactivities directly against cancer cells, Ipilimumab which is anIgG1-type antibody against CTLA4 was recently confirmed to be effectiveagainst metastatic melanoma, and received FDA approval in 2011. In solidcancer microenvironments, effector T cells that recognize tumors areknown to be suppressed by various factors in the cancer microenvironment(Non-patent Document 4). Among them, CTLA4 which is an immune checkpointmolecule is known to have the function of suppressing T cell activation,and is strongly expressed in activated effector T cells and regulatory Tcells. In cancer microenvironments, tumor-recognizing effector T cellsare considered to be suppressed by CTLA4. Ipilimumab is a neutralizingantibody against CTLA4, and it is considered to exhibit antitumoreffects by inhibiting the suppression of effector T cell-activation andactivating the tumor-recognizing effector T cells (Non-patent Document5). Similarly, nivolumab which is a neutralizing antibody against theimmune checkpoint molecule PD1 has been recently reported to be alsohighly effective against metastatic melanoma by the activation oftumor-recognizing effector T cells that are suppressed by PD1(Non-patent Document 6). Furthermore, not only regulatory T cells butalso exhausted T cells are known to be present in the cancermicroenvironment, and the exhausted T cells are known to not only lackcytotoxic activity (antitumor activity) but also to contribute onimmunosuppression in tumors (Non-patent Document 7).

Thus, it was thought that antibody pharmaceuticals against immunecheckpoint molecules exert antitumor effects by inhibitingT-cell-suppressing effects of immune checkpoint molecules. However, ithas been recently reported that for exhibiting antitumor effects ofanti-CTLA4 antibodies such as ipilimumab, not only the neutralizingeffects on CTLA4, but the antibody-dependent cytotoxic activity (ADCCactivity) against CTLA4-expressing cells is also important (Non-patentDocuments 8 and 9). Regulatory T cells and exhausted T cells in thetumor microenvironment are known to strongly express CTLA4, andanti-CTLA4 antibodies having ADCC activity are thought to be able tokill the regulatory T cells and exhausted T cells. In Non-patentDocuments 8 and 9, while anti-CTLA4 antibodies having ADCC activitycould eliminate regulatory T cells in tumors and exert strong antitumoreffects in mice, anti-CTLA4 antibodies whose ADCC activity has beenremoved by amino acid substitutions could not eliminate regulatory Tcells in tumors and could not exert antitumor effects.

Thus, it has been found that ADCC activity plays an important role inantitumor effects of anti-CTLA4 antibodies, and that the killing ofregulatory T cells by ADCC activity is an important mechanism of action.

On the other hand, ADCC activity of an antibody is exhibited by bindingof its Fc region to an Fcγ receptor. For example, substituting(modifying) amino acids of the Fc region of an IgG1 antibody to increasebinding to the Fcγ receptor has been reported to enable enhancement ofADCC activity (Non-Patent Document 10). In fact, an anti-CD19 antibodywith enhanced ADCC activity due to modification of the Fc region exertedstronger antitumor effects than natural anti-CD19 antibodies (Non-patentDocument 10).

Accordingly, if ADCC activity of anti-CTLA4 antibodies can be enhancedby modifying their Fc-region, the anti-CTLA4 antibodies can eliminateregulatory T cells in tumors more powerfully, and may exhibit strongerantitumor effects.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS Non-Patent Documents

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Cancer Med. 2013 October;    2(5):662-73.-   [Non-patent Document 7] T cell exhaustion. E John Wherry. Nature    Immunology, VOLUME 12 NUMBER 6 Jun. 2011:492-499.-   [Non-patent Document 8] Fc-dependent depletion of tumor-infiltrating    regulatory T cells co-defines the efficacy of anti-CTLA-4 therapy    against melanoma. Simpson T R1, Li F, Montalvo-Ortiz W, Sepulveda M    A, Bergerhoff K, Arce F, Roddie C, Henry J Y, Yagita H, Wolchok J D,    Peggs K S, Ravetch J V, Allison J P, Quezada S A. J Exp Med. 2013    Aug. 26; 210(9): 1695-710.-   [Non-patent Document 9] Anti-CTLA-4 Antibodies of IgG2a Isotype    Enhance Antitumor Activity through Reduction of Intratumoral    Regulatory T Cells, Mark J. Selby, John J. Engelhardt, Michael    Quigley, Karla A. Henning, Timothy Chen, Mohan Srinivasan, and    Alan J. Korman, Cancer Immunol Res; 1(1); 1-11.-   [Non-patent Document 10] The impact of Fc engineering on an    anti-CD19 antibody: increased Fcgamma receptor affinity enhances    B-cell clearing in nonhuman primates. Zalevsky J, Leung I W, Karki    S, Chu S Y, Zhukovsky E A, Desjarlais J R, Carmichael D F, Lawrence    C E. Blood. 2009 Apr. 16; 113(16):3735-43.-   [Non-patent Document 11] Curiel, T. J. et al. Specific recruitment    of regulatory T cells in ovarian carcinoma fosters immune privilege    and predicts reduced survival. Nature medicine 10, 942-949,    doi:10.1038/nm1093 (2004).-   [Non-patent Document 12] Sato, E. et al. Intraepithelial CD8⁺    tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and a high CD8⁺/regulatory T cell    ratio are associated with favorable prognosis in ovarian cancer.    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States    of America 102, 18538-18543, doi:10.1073/pnas.0509182102 (2005).-   [Non-patent Document 13] Kawaida, H. et al. Distribution of    CD4⁺CD25^(high) regulatory T-cells in tumor-draining lymph nodes in    patients with gastric cancer. The Journal of surgical research 124,    151-157, doi:10.1016/j.jss.2004.10.004 (2005).-   [Non-patent Document 14] Kono, K. et al. CD4⁺CD25^(high) regulatory    T cells increase with tumor stage in patients with gastric and    esophageal cancers. Cancer immunology, immunotherapy: CII 55,    1064-1071, doi:10.1007/s00262-005-0092-8 (2006).-   [Non-patent Document 15] Hiraoka, N., Onozato, K., Kosuge, T. &    Hirohashi, S. Prevalence of FOXP3⁺ regulatory T cells increases    during the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and its    premalignant lesions. Clinical cancer research : an official journal    of the American Association for Cancer Research 12, 5423-5434,    doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-06-0369 (2006).-   [Non-patent Document 16] Liotta, F. et al. Frequency of regulatory T    cells in peripheral blood and in tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes    correlates with poor prognosis in renal cell carcinoma. BJU    international 107, 1500-1506, doi:10.1111/j.1464-410X.2010.09555.x    (2011).-   [Non-patent Document 17] Kobayashi, N. et al. FOXP3⁺ regulatory T    cells affect the development and progression of    hepatocarcinogenesis. Clinical cancer research: an official journal    of the American Association for Cancer Research 13, 902-911,    doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-06-2363 (2007).-   [Non-patent Document 18] Gobert, M. et al. Regulatory T cells    recruited through CCL22/CCR4 are selectively activated in lymphoid    infiltrates surrounding primary breast tumors and lead to an adverse    clinical outcome. Cancer research 69, 2000-2009,    doi:10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-08-2360 (2009).-   [Non-patent Document 19] Bates, G. J. et al. Quantification of    regulatory T cells enables the identification of high-risk breast    cancer patients and those at risk of late relapse. Journal of    clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of    Clinical Oncology 24, 5373-5380, doi:10.1200/JCO.2006.05.9584    (2006).-   [Non-patent Document 20] Gerber, A. L. et al. High expression of    FOXP3 in primary melanoma is associated with tumour progression. The    British journal of dermatology 170, 103-109, doi:10.1111/bjd.12641    (2014).-   [Non-patent Document 21] Wang, Y. Y., He, X. Y., Cai, Y. Y.,    Wang, Z. J. & Lu, S. H. The variation of CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T    cells in the periphery blood and tumor microenvironment of non-small    cell lung cancer patients and the downregulation effects induced by    CpG ODN. Targeted oncology 6, 147-154, doi:10.1007/s11523-011-0182-9    (2011).-   [Non-patent Document 22] de Vos van Steenwijk, P. J. et al.    Tumor-infiltrating CD14-positive myeloid cells and CD8-positive    T-cells prolong survival in patients with cervical carcinoma.    International journal of cancer. Journal international du cancer    133, 2884-2894, doi:10.1002/ijc.28309 (2013).-   [Non-patent Document 23] Wainwright, D. A., Dey, M., Chang, A. &    Lesniak, M. S. Targeting Tregs in Malignant Brain Cancer: Overcoming    IDO. Frontiers in immunology 4, 116, doi:10.3389/fimmu.2013.00116    (2013).-   [Non-patent Document 24] Yu, P. et al. Simultaneous inhibition of    two regulatory T-cell subsets enhanced Interleukin-15 efficacy in a    prostate tumor model. Proceedings of the National Academy of    Sciences of the United States of America 109, 6187-6192,    doi:10.1073/pnas.1203479109 (2012).-   [Non-patent Document 25] Zheng, J., Liu, P. & Yang, X. YB-1    immunization combined with regulatory T-cell depletion induces    specific T-cell responses that protect against neuroblastoma in the    early stage. Acta biochimica et biophysica Sinica 44, 1006-1014,    doi:10.1093/abbs/gms089 (2012).-   [Non-patent Document 26] D'Arena, G. et al. Regulatory T-cell number    is increased in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients and correlates    with progressive disease. Leukemia research 35, 363-368,    doi:10.1016/j.leukres.2010.08.010 (2011).-   [Non-patent Document 27] French, J. D. et al. Tumor-associated    lymphocytes and increased FoxP3⁺ regulatory T cell frequency    correlate with more aggressive papillary thyroid cancer. The Journal    of clinical endocrinology and metabolism 95, 2325-2333,    doi:10.1210/jc.2009-2564 (2010).-   [Non-patent Document 28] Khan, A. R., Dovedi, S. J.,    Wilkinson, R. W. & Pritchard, D. I. Tumor infiltrating regulatory T    cells: tractable targets for immunotherapy. International reviews of    immunology 29, 461-484, doi:10.3109/08830185.2010.508854 (2010).-   [Non-patent Document 29] Yang, Z. Z., Novak, A. J., Ziesmer, S. C.,    Witzig, T. E. & Ansell, S. M. Attenuation of CD8⁺ T-cell function by    CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T cells in B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.    Cancer research 66, 10145-10152, doi:10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-06-1822    (2006).-   [Non-patent Document 30] Yang, Z. Z., Novak, A. J., Stenson, M. J.,    Witzig, T. E. & Ansell, S. M. Intratumoral CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory    T-cell-mediated suppression of infiltrating CD4⁺ T cells in B-cell    non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Blood 107, 3639-3646,    doi:10.1182/blood-2005-08-3376 (2006).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

The present invention was achieved in view of the above circumstances.An objective of the present invention is to provide antigen-bindingmolecules that exert superior antitumor effects by damaging cells havingimmune response-suppressing functions, and pharmaceutical compositionscomprising the antigen-binding molecule as an active ingredient, ormethods for treating cancer using the pharmaceutical compositions.

Means for Solving the Problems

The present inventors discovered that antigen-binding moleculescomprising a domain that binds to a molecule expressed on the surface ofcells having immune response-suppressing functions and a domain thatbinds to a T-cell receptor (TCR) complex, damage cells having immuneresponse-suppressing functions and exert more superior antitumoractivity than conventional antigen-binding molecules that bind tomolecules expressed on the surfaces of regulatory T cells and exhaustedT cells and also have ADCC activity. Furthermore, the present inventorsdiscovered pharmaceutical compositions that can treat various carcinomasby having the antigen-binding molecule as an active ingredient.

More specifically, the present invention provides the following:

-   [1] an antigen-binding molecule that inhibits immune    response-suppressing activity of a cell having an immune    response-suppressing function, comprising:    -   (i) a domain that binds to a molecule expressed on the surface        of a cell having an immune response-suppressing function; and    -   (ii) a T cell receptor complex-binding domain;-   [2] the antigen-binding molecule of [1], wherein the cell having    immune response-suppressing function is a regulatory T cell or an    exhausted T cell;-   [3] the antigen-binding molecule of [1], wherein the molecule    expressed on the surface of a cell having an immune    response-suppressing function is any molecule selected from among    CTLA4, PD1, TIM3, LAG3, CD244 (2B4), CD160, GARP, OX40, CD137    (4-1BB), CD25, VISTA, BTLA, TNFR25, CD57, KLRG1, CCR2, CCR5, CCR6,    CD39, CD73, CD4, CD18, CD49b, CD1d, CD5, CD21, TIM1, CD19, CD20,    CD23, CD24, CD38, CD93, IgM, B220(CD45R), CD317, PD-L1, CD11b, Ly6G,    ICAM-1, FAP, PDGFR, Podoplanin, and TIGIT;-   [4] the antigen-binding molecule of [3], wherein the molecule    expressed on the surface of a cell having an immune    response-suppressing function is any molecule selected from among    CTLA4, TIM3, LAG3, CD137 (4-1BB), CD25, CCR5, CCR6, CD38, TIGIT, and    OX40;-   [5] the antigen-binding molecule of any one of [1] to [4], wherein    the T cell receptor complex-binding domain is a T cell    receptor-binding domain;-   [6] the antigen-binding molecule of any one of [1] to [4], wherein    the T cell receptor complex-binding domain is a CD3-binding domain;-   [7] the antigen-binding molecule of any one of [1] to [6], which    further comprises an FcRn-binding domain;-   [8] the antigen-binding molecule of [7], wherein the FcRn-binding    domain is an Fc region of an antibody;-   [9] the antigen-binding molecule of [8], wherein the FcRn-binding    domain is an Fc region of an antibody having reduced Fcγ    receptor-binding activity;-   [10] the antigen-binding molecule of any one of [1] to [9], which is    a multispecific antibody;-   [11] a pharmaceutical composition comprising the antigen-binding    molecule of any one of [1] to [10] as an active ingredient;-   [12] a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting an immune    response-suppressing activity, comprising the antigen-binding    molecule of any one of [1] to [10] as an active ingredient;-   [13] the pharmaceutical composition of [12], wherein the inhibition    of an immune response-suppressing activity is inhibition caused by a    T cell;-   [14] the pharmaceutical composition of [13], wherein the inhibition    caused by a T cell is inhibition resulting from cytotoxic activity    of the T cell;-   [15] the pharmaceutical composition of any one of [12] to [14],    wherein the immune response-suppressing activity is an activity by a    regulatory T cell or an exhausted T cell;-   [16] the pharmaceutical composition of any one of [12] to [14],    wherein the immune response-suppressing activity is an activity of a    cell expressing any molecule selected from among CTLA4, PD1, TIM3,    LAG3, CD244 (2B4), CD160, GARP, OX40, CD137 (4-1BB), CD25, VISTA,    BTLA, TNFR25, CD57, KLRG1, CCR2, CCR5, CCR6, CD39, CD73, CD4, CD18,    CD49b, CD1d, CD5, CD21, TIM1, CD19, CD20, CD23, CD24, CD38, CD93,    IgM, B220(CD45R), CD317, PD-L1, CD11b, Ly6G, ICAM-1, FAP, PDGFR,    Podoplanin, and TIGIT;-   [17] the pharmaceutical composition of any one of [11] to [16],    which is a therapeutic agent for cancer;-   [18] the pharmaceutical composition of claim 17, which is a    therapeutic agent for any cancer selected from among ovarian cancer,    gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, renal cell    carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, malignant    melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer, cervical cancer, glioblastoma,    prostate cancer, neuroblastoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia,    papillary thyroid cancer, colorectal cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and    endometriosis;-   [19] a method for inducing cytotoxicity, suppressing cell    proliferation, activating immunity against a cancer cell or a cancer    cell-comprising tumor tissue , or treating or preventing cancer,    which comprises the step of administering the antigen-binding    molecule of any one of [1] to [10] or the pharmaceutical composition    of any one of [11] to [18];-   [20] the antigen-binding molecule of any one of [1] to [10] or the    pharmaceutical composition of any one of [11] to [18] for use in    inducing cytotoxicity, suppressing cell proliferation, activating    immunity against a cancer cell or a cancer cell-comprising tumor    tissue, or treating or preventing cancer;-   [21] use of the antigen-binding molecule of any one of [1] to [10]    in the production of the pharmaceutical composition of any one of    [11] to [18]; and-   [22] a method for producing the pharmaceutical composition of any    one of [11] to [18], which comprises the step of using the    antigen-binding molecule of any one of [1] to [10].

Furthermore, the present invention relates to methods for treating orpreventing cancer, or for inhibiting suppression of an immune response,which comprise administering an antigen-binding molecule of the presentinvention or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention topatients in need of treatment. The present invention also relates to akit for use in the methods of the present invention, which comprises anantigen-binding molecule of the present invention. The present inventionalso relates to the use of an antigen-binding molecule of the presentinvention in producing a pharmaceutical composition for inhibitingimmune response-suppression. Furthermore, the present invention relatesto antigen-binding molecules of the present invention or pharmaceuticalcompositions of the present invention for use in the methods of thepresent invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 presents a schematic diagram showing cytotoxic activity againstcancer cells by bispecific antibodies that target a cancer antigenexpressed on cancer cells and CD3 expressed on T cells.

FIG. 2-1 presents a schematic diagram showing crosslinking between Tcells caused by crosslinking between CD3s on different T cells via ananti-CD3 antibody.

FIG. 2-2 presents a schematic diagram showing crosslinking between CD3son the same T cell via an anti-CD3 antibody.

FIG. 3 presents a schematic diagram showing that an anti-CTLA4/CD3bispecific antibody causes crosslinking between CTLA4 and CD3 on thesame regulatory T cell, and therefore, does not cause intercellularcrosslinking between an effector T cell and a regulatory T cell. Thisschematic diagram shows a regulatory T cell as the target cell and CTLA4as the antigen, but the target cell and antigen are not limited thereto.

FIG. 4 presents a schematic diagram showing intercellular crosslinkingcaused by crosslinking between CD3 on an effector T cell and CTLA4 on aregulatory T cell via an anti-CTLA4/CD3 bispecific antibody. Thisschematic diagram shows a regulatory T cell as the target cell and CTLA4as the antigen, but the target cell and antigen are not limited thereto.

FIG. 5 presents a graph showing the ADCC activity of the anti-mouseCTLA4 antibody hUH02hUL01-mFa55 on mouse CTLA4-expressing cells.

FIG. 6 presents a graph showing the cytotoxic activity of the anti-mouseCTLA4/anti-mouse CD3 bispecific antibody (hUH02UL01/2C11-F760) on mouseCTLA4-expressing cells.

FIG. 7-1 presents a schematic diagram showing crosslinking between amouse CTLA4-bound bead and a mouse CD3-bound bead by an anti-mouseCTLA4/anti-mouse CD3 bispecific antibody.

FIG. 7-2 presents a graph showing the experiment results of crosslinkingbetween mouse CTLA4-bound beads and mouse CD3-bound beads via anti-mouseCTLA4/anti-mouse CD3 bispecific antibodies (N=3). The graph shows themean values and standard deviations for each of the measurement results.

FIG. 7-3 presents a graph showing the experiment results of crosslinkingbetween mouse CTLA4/mouse CD3-bound beads and mouse CD3-bound beads byanti-mouse CTLA4/anti-mouse CD3 bispecific antibodies. The graph showsthe mean values and standard deviations for each of the measurementresults.

FIG. 7-4 presents a schematic diagram showing crosslinking between amouse CTLA4/mouse CD3-bound bead and a mouse CD3-bound bead by ananti-mouse CTLA4/anti-mouse CD3 bispecific antibody.

FIG. 8 presents a graph showing the in vivo antitumor effects obtainedby intratumoral (i.t.) administration of an anti-mouse CTLA4 antibody(hUH02hUL01-mFa55, ADCC-enhanced antibody) and an anti-mouseCTLA4/anti-mouse CD3 bispecific antibody (hUH02UL01/2C11-F760, a Tcell-redirecting antibody) on mouse colorectal cancer cell line CT26.WT(n=2 for each group; the plot shows the tumor volume of eachindividual).

FIG. 9 presents a graph showing the in vivo antitumor effects obtainedby intratumoral (i.t.) administration and intravenous (i.v.)administration of an anti-mouse CTLA4/anti-mouse CD3 bispecific antibody(hUH02UL01/2C11-F760, a T cell-redirecting antibody) on mouse colorectalcancer cell line CT26.WT (n=5 for each group; the plot shows the meantumor volume + standard deviation of each group).

FIG. 10-1 presents graphs showing the results of analyzing CD4-positivecells based on the expression of CD25 and CD45RA, after a seven-dayreaction of PBMC derived from a healthy person with a control antibody(control) and an anti-human CTLA4/anti-human CD3 bispecific antibody(TRAB).

FIG. 10-2 presents graphs showing the proportion of regulatory T cells(Treg) in CD4-positive T cells, calculated based on the expression ofCD25 and CD45RA, after a seven-day reaction of PBMC derived from ahealthy person with a control antibody (control) and an anti-humanCTLA4/anti-human CD3 bispecific antibody (TRAB).

FIG. 10-3 presents graphs showing the ratio of effector T cells (Teff)to regulatory T cells (Treg) (Teff/Treg) calculated based on theexpression of CD25 and CD45RA, after a seven-day reaction of PBMCderived from a healthy person with a control antibody (control) and ananti-human CTLA4/anti-human CD3 bispecific antibody (TRAB).

FIG. 11-1 presents graphs showing the results of analyzing CD4-positivecells based on the expression of FoxP3 and CD45RA, after a seven-dayreaction of PBMC derived from a healthy person with a control antibody(control) and an anti-human CTLA4/anti-human CD3 bispecific antibody(TRAB).

FIG. 11-2 presents graphs showing the proportion of regulatory T cells(Treg) in CD4-positive T cells, calculated based on the expression ofFoxP3 and CD45RA, after a seven-day reaction of PBMC derived from ahealthy person with a control antibody (control) and an anti-humanCTLA4/anti-human CD3 bispecific antibody (TRAB).

FIG. 11-3 presents graphs showing the ratio of effector T cells (Teff)to regulatory T cells (Treg) (Teff/Treg) calculated based on theexpression of FoxP3 and CD45RA, after a seven-day reaction of PBMCderived from a healthy person with a control antibody (control) and ananti-human CTLA4/anti-human CD3 bispecific antibody (TRAB).

FIG. 12 presents a diagram showing the relationship between the aminoacid residues constituting the Fc regions of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4,and Kabat's EU numbering (herein, it is also called the EU INDEX).

FIG. 13 presents graphs showing the results of analyzing CD4-positivecells based on the expression of CD25 and CD45RA, after a four- orsix-day reaction of PBMC derived from a healthy person with ananti-human LAG3/anti-human CD3 bispecific antibody (TRAB).

FIG. 14 presents graphs showing the proportion of regulatory T cells(Treg) in CD4-positive T cells, calculated based on the expression ofCD25 and CD45RA, after a four- or six-day reaction of PBMC derived froma healthy person with an anti-human LAG3/anti-human CD3 bispecificantibody (TRAB).

FIG. 15 presents graphs showing the ratio of effector T cells (Teff) toregulatory T cells (Treg) (Teff/Treg) in CD4-positive T cells,calculated based on the expression of CD25 and CD45RA, after a four- orsix-day reaction of PBMC derived from a healthy person with ananti-human LAG3/anti-human CD3 bispecific antibody (TRAB).

FIG. 16 presents graphs showing the results of analyzing CD4-positivecells based on the expression of CD25 and CD45RA, after a seven-dayreaction of PBMC derived from a healthy person with an anti-humanOX40/anti-human CD3 bispecific antibody (TRAB).

FIG. 17 presents graphs showing the proportion of regulatory T cells(Treg) in CD4-positive T cells, calculated based on the expression ofCD25 and CD45RA, after a seven day reaction of PBMC derived from ahealthy person with an anti-human OX40/anti-human CD3 bispecificantibody (TRAB).

FIG. 18 presents graphs showing the ratio of effector T cells (Teff) toregulatory T cells (Treg) (Teff/Treg) in CD4-positive T cells,calculated based on the expression of CD25 and CD45RA, after a seven dayreaction of PBMC derived from a healthy person with an anti-humanOX40/anti-human CD3 bispecific antibody (TRAB).

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following definitions are provided to facilitate understanding ofthe invention described herein.

Antigen-Binding Molecules

In the present invention, “antigen-binding molecules” are notparticularly limited as long as they are molecules that comprise a“binding domain” of the present invention, and they may further comprisea peptide or protein having a length of about five amino acids or more.The peptide and protein are not limited to those derived from a livingorganism, and for example, they may be a polypeptide produced from anartificially designed sequence. They may also be any of anaturally-occurring polypeptide, synthetic polypeptide, recombinantpolypeptide, and such.

A favorable example of an antigen-binding molecule of the presentinvention is an antigen-binding molecule that comprises an FcRn-bindingdomain contained in an antibody Fc region. As a method for extending theblood half-life of a protein administered to a living body, the methodof adding an FcRn-binding domain of an antibody to the protein ofinterest and utilizing the function of FcRn-mediated recycling is wellknown.

In the present invention, the “FcRn-binding domain” is not particularlylimited as long as it has binding activity to FcRn, and it may be adomain that directly or indirectly binds to FcRn. Examples of the domainthat directly binds to FcRn include antibody variable regions, Fab andantibody Fc regions whose antigens are FcRn, fragments thereof, albumin,albumin domain 3, human serum albumin (HSA), transferrin and such.Furthermore, an example of the domain that indirectly binds to FcRnincludes a domain that has binding activity toward the aforementioneddomain that directly binds to FcRn. A preferred embodiment of thepresent invention includes antibody Fc regions or fragments containingan FcRn-binding region of an Fc region. Herein, for example, an Fcregion derived from a naturally-occurring IgG may be used as the “Fcregion”. A naturally-occurring IgG means a polypeptide that comprisesthe same amino acid sequence as an IgG found in nature, and belongs to aclass of antibodies substantially encoded by immunoglobulin gamma genes.A naturally-occurring human IgG means, for example, anaturally-occurring human IgG1, a naturally-occurring human IgG2, anaturally-occurring human IgG3, or a naturally-occurring human IgG4.Naturally-occurring IgGs also include mutants and such that naturallygenerate therefrom. A plurality of allotype sequences that result fromgenetic polymorphism have been described in Sequences of Proteins ofImmunological Interest, NIH Publication No. 91-3242 for the human IgG1,human IgG2, human IgG3, and human IgG4 antibody constant region, and anyof the sequences may be used in the present invention. In particular,the amino acid sequence of positions 356 to 358 according to EUnumbering may be DEL or EEM for the human IgG1 sequence.

Existing antibody Fc regions are, for example, IgA1, IgA2, IgD, IgE,IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, and IgM-type Fc regions. For example, an Fcregion derived from a naturally-occurring human IgG antibody can be usedas the antibody Fc region of the present invention. Fc regions derivedfrom a constant region of a naturally-occurring IgG, or morespecifically, a constant region derived from a naturally-occurring humanIgG1 (SEQ ID NO: 1), a constant region derived from anaturally-occurring human IgG2 (SEQ ID NO: 2), a constant region derivedfrom a naturally-occurring human IgG3 (SEQ ID NO: 3), and a constantregion derived from a naturally-occurring human IgG4 (SEQ ID NO: 4), canbe used as an Fc region of the present invention. Mutants and such thatnaturally generate therefrom are also included in thenaturally-occurring IgG constant regions.

Such antibody Fc regions can be suitably obtained, for example, bypartial digestion of antibodies such as monoclonal antibodies using aprotease such as pepsin, then adsorption of the resulting fragments ontoa protein A column or a protein G column, and subsequent elution usingan appropriate elution buffer and such. The protease is not particularlylimited as long as it can digest an antibody such as a monoclonalantibody by appropriately establishing the enzyme reaction conditionssuch as pH, and examples include pepsin and ficin.

The isotype of an antibody is determined by the structure of theconstant region. The constant region of isotypes IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, andIgG4 is called Cγ1, Cγ2, Cγ3, and Cγ4, respectively. The amino acidsequences of polypeptides constituting the Fc regions of human Cγ1, Cγ2,Cγ3, and Cγ4 are exemplified in SEQ ID NOs: 5, 6, 7, and 8. Therelationship between amino acid residues constituting each of theseamino acid sequences and Kabat's EU numbering (herein, also referred toas EU INDEX) is shown in FIG. 12.

An Fc region refers to a region that excludes F(ab′)₂ which contains twolight chains and two heavy chains containing part of the constant regionbetween the CH1 domain and the CH2 domain such that the disulfide bondsbetween the chains are formed between the two heavy chains. Fc regionsforming the antigen-binding molecules disclosed herein can be obtainedsuitably by partially digesting the IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4 monoclonalantibodies or the like using a protease such as pepsin, and thenre-eluting fractions adsorbed to the protein A column. The protease isnot particularly limited as long as it can digest a full-length antibodyin a restrictive manner to produce F(ab′)₂ by appropriately establishingthe enzyme reaction conditions such as pH. Such proteases include, forexample, pepsin and ficin.

A domain with decreased Fcγ receptor-binding activity is particularlypreferred as the FcRn-binding domain of the present invention. Here, anFcγ receptor (herein, also denoted as Fcγ receptor, FcγR, or FcgR)refers to a receptor that can bind to the Fc region of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3,or IgG4, and includes all members belonging to the family of proteinssubstantially encoded by Fcγ receptor genes. In humans, this familyincludes, but is not limited to, FcγRI (CD64) including isoforms FcγRIa,FcγRIb, and FcγRIc; FcγRII (CD32) including isoforms FcγRIIa (includingallotypes H131 (type H) and R131 (type R), FcγRIIb (including FcγRIIb-1and FcγRIIb-2), and FcγRIIc; and FcγRIII (CD16) including isoformsFcγRIIIa (including allotypes V158 and F158) and FcγRIIIb (includingallotypes FcγRIIIb-NA1 and FcγRIIIb-NA2); as well as any undiscoveredhuman FcγRs, and FcγR isoforms or allotypes. FcγRs include, but are notlimited to, those derived from humans, mice, rats, rabbits, and monkeys,and may be derived from any organism. Mouse FcγRs include, but are notlimited to, FcγRI (CD64), FcγRII (CD32), FcγRIII (CD16), and FcγRIII-2(CD16-2), as well as any undiscovered mouse FcγRs, and FcγR isoforms orallotypes. Suitable examples of such Fcγ receptors include human FcγRI(CD64), FcγRIIa (CD32), FcγRIIb (CD32), FcγRIIIa (CD16) and/or FcγRIIIb(CD16).

Activating receptors which carry an immunoreceptor tyrosine-basedactivation motif (ITAM) and inhibitory receptors which carry animmunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) are present amongFcγRs. FcγRs are categorized into activating FcγRs: FcγRI, FcγRIIa R,FcγRIIa H, FcγRIIIa, and FcγRIIIb, and inhibitory FcγR: FcγRIIb.

The polynucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence of FcγRI are shownin NM_000566.3 and NP_000557.1, respectively; the polynucleotidesequence and amino acid sequence of FcγRIIa are shown in BC020823.1 andAAH20823.1, respectively; the polynucleotide sequence and amino acidsequence of FcγRIIb are shown in BC146678.1 and AAI46679.1,respectively; the polynucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence ofFcγRIIIa are shown in BC033678.1 and AAH33678.1, respectively; and thepolynucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence of FcγRIIIb are shown inBC128562.1 and AAI28563.1, respectively (RefSeq accession number). Thereare two types of gene polymorphisms for FcγRIIa, where the amino acid atposition 131 of FcγRIIa is substituted into histidine (type H) orarginine (type R) (J. Exp. Med, 172, 19-25, 1990). Furthermore, thereare two types of gene polymorphisms for FcγRIIb, where the amino acid atposition 232 of FcγRIIb is substituted with isoleucine (type I) orthreonine (type T) (Arthritis. Rheum. 46: 1242-1254 (2002)). Inaddition, there are two types of gene polymorphisms for FcγRIIIa, wherethe amino acid at position 158 of FcγRIIIa is substituted with valine(type V) or phenylalanine (type F) (J. Clin. Invest. 100(5): 1059-1070(1997)). There are also two types of gene polymorphisms for FcγRIIIb,which are type NA1 and type NA2 (J. Clin. Invest. 85: 1287-1295 (1990)).

Whether the binding activity to an Fcγ receptor is decreased can beconfirmed by well-known methods such as FACS, ELISA format, screening byAmplified Luminescent Proximity Homogeneous Assay (ALPHA), surfaceplasmon resonance (SPR)-based BIACORE method, and others (Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci. USA (2006) 103(11), 4005-4010).

ALPHA screening is performed with ALPHA technology which uses two beads,a donor and an acceptor bead, based on the following principle.Luminescent signals are detected only when molecules bound to donorbeads interact biologically with molecules bound to the acceptor beads,and the two beads are in close proximity to each other. Thelaser-excited photosensitizer within the donor beads converts ambientoxygen to excited-state singlet oxygen. Singlet oxygen is dispersedaround the donor beads; and when it reaches the adjacent acceptor beads,a chemiluminescent reaction is induced within the beads, and light isultimately emitted. When molecules bound to the donor beads do notinteract with molecules bound to the acceptor beads, thechemiluminescent reaction does not take place because singlet oxygenproduced by the donor beads does not reach the acceptor beads.

For example, when an antigen-binding molecule contains an antibody Fcregion as the FcRn-binding domain, an antigen-binding molecule having awild-type Fc region and an antigen-binding molecule having a mutant Fcregion produced by adding amino acid mutations to change the binding toan Fcγ receptor are prepared, a biotinylated antigen-binding molecule isbound to the donor beads, and an Fcγ receptor tagged with glutathione Stransferase (GST) is bond to the acceptor beads. In the presence of anantigen-binding molecule having a mutant Fc region, the antigen-bindingmolecule having a wild-type Fc region interacts with the Fcγ receptorand produces 520-620 nm signals. When the antigen-binding moleculehaving a mutant Fc region is untagged, it competes with theantigen-binding molecule having a wild-type Fc region for interactionwith the Fcγ receptor. The relative binding affinity can be determinedby quantifying the decrease in fluorescence observed as a result of thecompetition. Biotinylation of antigen-binding molecules usingSulfo-NHS-biotin and such is well known. As a method for tagging an Fcγreceptor with GST, the method of expressing the Fcγ receptor and GST ina cell carrying a vector that can express a fusion gene produced byfusing a polynucleotide encoding the Fcγ receptor in frame with aGST-encoding polynucleotide, and purifying it using a glutathione columncan be appropriately adopted. The obtained signals are suitablyanalyzed, for example, by fitting them into a one-site competition modelthat utilizes a non-linear regression analysis with software such asGRAPHPAD PRISM (GraphPad, San Diego).

One of the substances (ligand) observed for interaction is immobilizedonto a gold thin film on a sensor chip, and by shining light from thereverse side of the sensor chip so that total reflection takes place atthe interface between the gold thin film and glass, a portion withreduced reflection intensity is formed in part of the reflected light(SPR signal). The other substance (analyte) observed for interaction ismade to flow over the sensor chip surface; and when the ligand binds tothe analyte, the mass of the immobilized ligand molecule increases andthe refractive index of the solvent on the sensor chip surface changes.The position of the SPR signal shifts as a result of this change in therefractive index (reversely, the signal position returns if this bindingdissociates). The Biacore system shows the amount of shift mentionedabove, or more specifically the time variable of mass, by plotting thechange in mass on the sensor chip surface on the vertical axis as themeasurement data (sensorgram). Kinetic parameters such as associationrate constant (ka) and dissociation rate constant (kd) are determinedfrom the curve in the sensorgram, and the affinity (KD) is determinedfrom the ratio of these constants. In the BIACORE method, a method formeasuring inhibition is also suitably used. An example of the method formeasuring inhibition is described in Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA (2006)103 (11): 4005-4010.

Herein, “decreased Fcγ receptor-binding activity” means that, forexample, based on the above-described analytical method, the bindingactivity of the test antigen-binding molecule is 50% or less, preferably45% or less, 40% or less, 35% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less, 15% orless, or particularly preferably 10% or less, 9% or less, 8% or less, 7%or less, 6% or less, 5% or less, 4% or less, 3% or less, 2% or less, or1% or less as compared to the binding activity of the controlantigen-binding molecule containing an Fc region.

For the control antigen-binding molecule, antigen-binding moleculeshaving, for example, a domain comprising an Fc region of a monoclonalIgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4 antibody may be suitably used. The structuresof the Fc regions are shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 (A is added to the Nterminus of RefSeq Accession No. AAC82527.1), SEQ ID NO: 2 (A is addedto the N terminus of RefSeq Accession No. AAB59393.1), SEQ ID NO: 3 (Ais added to the N terminus of RefSeq Accession No. CAA27268.1), and SEQID NO: 4 (A is added to the N terminus of RefSeq Accession No.AAB59394.1). Further, when an antigen-binding molecule containing amutant of an Fc region of a particular antibody isotype is used as thetest substance, the effect of a mutation possessed by the mutant on theFcγ receptor-binding activity is tested by using as a control anantigen-binding molecule having an Fc region of an antibody of thatparticular isotype. In this way, antigen-binding molecules containing anFc region mutant whose binding activity toward the Fcγ receptor verifiedto be decreased are suitably produced.

Examples of such mutants include mutants with a 231A-238S deletion (WO2009/011941), or C226S, C229S, P238S, (C220S) (J. Rheumatol (2007) 34,11), C226S, C229S (Hum. Antibod. Hybridomas (1990) 1(1), 47-54), C226S,C229S, E233P, L234V, or L235A (Blood (2007) 109, 1185-1192) mutants,where the amino acids are specified by EU numbering.

That is, suitable examples include antigen-binding molecules having anFc region in which any of the amino acids at positions 220, 226, 229,231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 264, 265, 266, 267,269, 270, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 325, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331,and 332 specified according to EU numbering has been substituted in theamino acids constituting the Fc region of an antibody of a specificisotype. The isotype of the antibody from which the Fc region originatesis not particularly limited, and the Fc region derived from an IgG1,IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4 monoclonal antibody can be used appropriately, andthe Fc region derived from a naturally-occurring human IgG1 antibody issuitably used.

For example, an antigen-binding molecule having an Fc region thatcomprises any substitution specified below based on EU numbering fromamong amino acids constituting the IgG1 antibody Fc region (wherein thenumber indicates the position of the amino acid residue specifiedaccording to EU numbering, the one-letter amino acid code positionedbefore the number indicates the amino acid residue before thesubstitution, and the one-letter amino acid code positioned after thenumber indicates the amino acid residue after the substitution):

-   (a) L234F, L235E, P331S-   (b) C226S, C229S, P238S-   (c) C226S, C229S-   (d) C226S, C229S, E233P, L234V, L235A;    or an Fc region lacking the amino acid sequence of positions 231 to    238 from among amino acids constituting the IgG1 antibody Fc region    may be appropriately used.

Furthermore, antigen-binding molecules having an Fc region thatcomprises any substitution specified below based on EU numbering fromamong amino acids constituting the IgG2 antibody Fc region (wherein thenumber indicates the position of the amino acid residue specifiedaccording to EU numbering, the one-letter amino acid code positionedbefore the number indicates the amino acid residue before thesubstitution, and the one-letter amino acid code positioned after thenumber indicates the amino acid residue after the substitution):

-   (e) H268Q, V309L, A330S, P331S-   (f) V234A-   (g) G237A-   (h) V234A, G237A-   (i) A235E, G237A-   (j) V234A, A235E, G237A    may be appropriately used.

Furthermore, antigen-binding molecules having an Fc region thatcomprises any substitution specified below based on EU numbering fromamong amino acids constituting the IgG3 antibody Fc region (wherein thenumber indicates the position of the amino acid residue specifiedaccording to EU numbering, the one-letter amino acid code positionedbefore the number indicates the amino acid residue before thesubstitution, and the one-letter amino acid code positioned after thenumber indicates the amino acid residue after the substitution):

-   (k) F241A-   (l) D265A-   (m) V264A    may be appropriately used.

Furthermore, antigen-binding molecules having an Fc region thatcomprises any substitution specified below based on EU numbering fromamong amino acids constituting the IgG4 antibody Fc region (wherein thenumber indicates the position of the amino acid residue specifiedaccording to EU numbering, the one-letter amino acid code positionedbefore the number indicates the amino acid residue before thesubstitution, and the one-letter amino acid code positioned after thenumber indicates the amino acid residue after the substitution):

-   (n) L235A, G237A, E318A-   (o) L235E-   (p) F234A, L235A    may be appropriately used.

Other preferred examples include antigen-binding molecules having an Fcregion in which any of the amino acids at positions 233, 234, 235, 236,237, 327, 330, and 331 specified according to EU numbering in the aminoacids constituting the Fc region of a naturally-occurring human IgG1antibody is substituted with amino acids of corresponding EU numberingin the corresponding IgG2 or IgG4.

Other preferred examples suitably include antigen-binding moleculeshaving an Fc region in which any one or more of the amino acids atpositions 234, 235, and 297 specified according to EU numbering in theamino acids constituting the Fc region of a naturally-occurring humanIgG1 antibody are substituted by other amino acids. The type of aminoacid present after substitution is not particularly limited, and anantigen-binding molecule having an Fc region in which any one or more ofthe amino acids at positions 234, 235, and 297 are substituted withalanine is particularly preferred.

Other preferred examples suitably include antigen-binding moleculeshaving an Fc region in which the amino acid at position 265 specifiedaccording to EU numbering in the amino acids constituting an IgG1antibody Fc region is substituted by another amino acid. The type ofamino acid present after substitution is not particularly limited, andan antigen-binding molecule having an Fc region in which the amino acidat position 265 is substituted with alanine is particularly preferred.

“A domain that binds to a molecule expressed on the surface of a cellhaving immune response-suppressing function” and “a T cell receptorcomplex-binding domain” (hereinafter, these binding domains arecollectively referred to as antigen-binding domains) which are includedin antigen-binding molecules of the present invention mean regions thatspecifically bind to all or a portion of their respective antigens. Anexample of such binding domain is a region comprising theantigen-binding region of an antibody. When the molecular weight of theantigen is large, the antigen-binding region of the antibody can bindonly to a specific portion of the antigen. This specific portion iscalled an epitope. One or more of antibody variable domains may providean antigen-binding domain. Preferably, an antigen-binding domaincomprises an antibody light chain variable region (VL) and an antibodyheavy chain variable region (VH). Suitable examples of suchantigen-binding domains include “single chain Fv (scFv)”, “single chainantibody”, “Fv”, “single chain Fv2 (scFv2)”, “Fab”, “F(ab′)₂”, or such.

Here, “a cell having immune response-suppressing function” is notparticularly limited as long as it has a function of suppressing animmune response, and examples include regulatory T cells (Treg),exhausted T cells, myeloma-derived stromal cells (MDSC),tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), induced regulatory T cells (Tr1),tumor-associated dendritic cells (TADC), tumor-associated neutrophils(TAN), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), regulatory B cells (Breg),and such. In particular, regulatory T cells and exhausted T cells arepreferable as the cells of interest. Specific examples of the moleculesexpressed on the surface of such cells having immuneresponse-suppressing functions include CTLA4, PD1, TIM3, LAG-3, CD244(2B4), CD160, GARP, OX40, CD137 (4-1BB), CD25, VISTA, VISATA, BTLA,TNFR25, CD57, KLRG1, CCR2, CCRS, CCR6, CD39, CD73, CD4, CD18, CD49b,CD1d, CDS, CD21, TIM1, CD19, CD20, CD23, CD24, CD38, CD93, IgM,B220(CD45R), CD317, PD-L1, CD11b, Ly6G, ICAM-1, FAP, PDGFR, Podoplanin,TIGIT, and such. Among these molecules, examples of favorable moleculesfor targets of the binding domains of the present invention includeCTLA4, TIM3, LAG3, CD137 (4-1BB), CD25, CCR5, CCR6, CD38, and TIGIT,which are cell surface molecules specifically expressed in cellfractions (CD4⁺, CD25^(high), and CD45RA⁻) that have been reported tohave high immune response-suppressing functions. Examples of favorablemolecules for targets of the binding domains of the present inventioninclude CTLA4, LAG3, and OX40 in particular.

In the present invention, “regulatory T cell” means a type of T cell incharge of inhibitory regulation of an immune response. This cell playsan important role in the negative regulation mechanism for suppressingexcessive immune responses and in homeostasis of immunity, and isclassified into two types of regulatory T cells (Tregs) which expressCD4 or CD8. CD4 Tregs are classified into endogenous Treg cells (naturalTregs or nTregs) which constitutively express CD25 and FoxP3, andadaptive or inducible Tregs (iTregs) which have low self-recognitionability and which are differentiated from naive CD4-positive T cells.Existing iTregs include Foxp3⁺ Treg and Fop3⁻ Treg, and Fop3⁻ Treg iscalled a Type I Treg (Tr1). CD4⁺CD25⁺LAG3⁺ Treg has been identified as aTreg having properties very similar to Tr1 (Proc Natl Acad SciUSA.2009). Furthermore, CD127 expression is known to be decreased inTreg cells, and the fraction containing CD127^(lo)CD25^(hi-int)(population showing low CD127 expression and high to intermediate CD25expression) includes all of the Foxp3-positive Treg population. CD8Tregs can also be separated into endogenous Tregs and inducible Tregs.The former are classified as CD8⁺CD122⁺ Treg, and the latter areclassified as Qa-1a-restricted CD8⁺ Treg. Tregs are known to expressregulatory molecules, and have increased expression levels of CTLA4,PD1, TIM3, LAG3, and the like, and such molecules are favorable as themolecules to which the binding domains of the antigen-binding moleculesof the present invention bind.

Furthermore, in the present invention, “exhausted T cell” means a T cellwhose cytokine production function and effector function have beenmarkedly weakened by continuous stimulation by antigens, andproliferation ability and long-term survival ability have become low.These exhausted T cells produce regulatory receptors such as PD1 andregulatory cytokines; therefore, they not only become dysfunctional, butalso act suppressive towards immune responses. In exhausted T cells,expression of PD1 is mainly increased (Nature 439, 682-687 (2006)). Inaddition to PD1, expression of molecules such as LAG-3, CD244 (2B4),CD160, TIM-3, and CTLA-4 are also increased (Nature Immunology Volume:12, Pages: 492-499 Year published: (2011)). These molecules arefavorable as the molecules to which the binding domains of theantigen-binding molecules of the present invention bind.

Furthermore, the “T cell-receptor complex” may be a T cell receptoritself, or an adaptor molecule constituting a T cell-receptor complextogether with a T cell receptor. CD3 is suitable as an adaptor molecule.

For the T cell receptor, an epitope to which the T cell receptor bindingdomain binds may be a variable region or a constant region, but anepitope present in the constant region is preferred. Examples of theconstant region sequence include the T cell receptor α chain of RefSeqAccession No. CAA26636.1 (SEQ ID NO: 9), the T cell receptor β chain ofRefSeq Accession No. C25777 (SEQ ID NO: 10), the T cell receptor γ1chain of RefSeq Accession No. A26659 (SEQ ID NO: 11), the T cellreceptor γ2 chain of RefSeq Accession No. AAB63312.1 (SEQ ID NO: 12),and the T cell receptor δ chain of RefSeq Accession No. AAA61033.1 (SEQID NO: 13).

In the present invention, when the “CD3-binding domain” is used as the Tcell receptor complex-binding domain, the CD3-binding domain may beprovided by one or more antibody variable domains. Preferably, theCD3-binding domain includes a light chain variable region (VL) and aheavy chain variable region (VH) of the CD3 antibody. Suitable examplesof such CD3-binding domains include “single chain Fv (scFv)”, “singlechain antibody”, “Fv”, “single chain Fv 2 (scFv2)”, “Fab”, “F(ab′)₂”,and such.

The CD3-binding domain of the present invention may be those that bindto any epitope as long as the epitope exists in the γ-chain, δ-chain, orε-chain sequence constituting human CD3. In the present invention,preferably, a CD3-binding domain that comprises a light chain variableregion (VL) of a CD3 antibody and a heavy chain variable region (VH) ofa CD3 antibody, and which binds to an epitope present in theextracellular region of the ε chain of the human CD3 complex, issuitably used. For such CD3-binding domain, a CD3-binding domaincomprising the light chain variable region (VL) and heavy chain variableregion (VH) of the OKT3 antibody (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1980) 77,4914-4917) or various known CD3 antibodies is suitably used. ACD3-binding domain derived from a CD3 antibody that has the desiredproperties and is obtained by immunizing a desired animal with theγ-chain, δ-chain, or ε-chain constituting the human CD3 by theabove-mentioned method may be appropriately used. Human antibodies andappropriately humanized antibodies as described below may be suitablyused as the CD3 antibody that serves as the origin for the CD3-bindingdomain. For the structure of the CD3-constituting γ-chain, δ-chain, orε-chain, their polynucleotide sequences are shown in SEQ ID NOs: 14(NM_000073.2), 16 (NM_000732.4), and 18 (NM_000733.3), and theirpolypeptide sequences are shown in SEQ ID NOs: 15 (NP_000064.1), 17(NP_000723.1), and 19 (NP_000724.1) (the RefSeq accession number isshown in parentheses).

A preferred embodiment of the “antigen-binding molecule” of the presentinvention includes an antibody comprising an antibody variable region ofthe present invention.

Antibody

Herein, an “antibody” refers to a naturally occurring immunoglobulin oran immunoglobulin produced by partial or complete synthesis. Antibodiescan be isolated from natural sources such as naturally-occurring plasmaand serum, or culture supernatants of antibody-producing hybridomacells. Alternatively, antibodies can be partially or completelysynthesized using techniques such as genetic recombination. Suitableexamples of the antibodies include antibodies of an immunoglobulinisotype or subclass of such isotype. Known human immunoglobulins includethose of the following nine classes (isotypes): IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4,IgA1, IgA2, IgD, IgE, and IgM. Of these isotypes, antibodies of thepresent invention include IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4.

Methods for producing antibodies having the desired binding activity areknown to those skilled in the art, and the antibodies may be obtained aspolyclonal or monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies derived frommammals may be suitably produced as the antibodies of the presentinvention. Such mammalian-derived monoclonal antibodies includeantibodies produced by hybridomas and antibodies produced by host cellstransformed with an expression vector carrying an antibody gene bygenetic engineering techniques.

There is no particular limitation on the mammal to be immunized forobtaining antibodies. It is preferable to select the mammal byconsidering its compatibility with the parent cells to be used in cellfusion for hybridoma production. In general, rabbits, monkeys, androdents such as mice, rats, and hamsters are suitably used.

The above animals are immunized with a sensitizing antigen by knownmethods.

Generally performed immunization methods include, for example,intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injection of a sensitizing antigen intomammals. Specifically, a sensitizing antigen is appropriately dilutedwith Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS), physiological saline, or the like.If desired, a conventional adjuvant such as Freund's complete adjuvantis mixed with the antigen, and the mixture is emulsified. Then, thesensitizing antigen is administered to a mammal several times at 4- to21-day intervals. Appropriate carriers may be used in immunization withthe sensitizing antigen. In particular, when a low-molecular-weightpartial peptide is used as the sensitizing antigen, it is sometimesdesirable to couple the sensitizing antigen peptide to a carrier proteinsuch as albumin or keyhole limpet hemocyanin for immunization.

Alternatively, hybridomas producing a desired antibody can be preparedusing DNA immunization as mentioned below. DNA immunization is animmunization method that confers immunostimulation by expressing asensitizing antigen in an animal immunized as a result of administeringa vector DNA constructed to allow expression of an antigenprotein-encoding gene in the animal. As compared to conventionalimmunization methods in which a protein antigen is administered toanimals to be immunized, DNA immunization is expected to be superior inthat:

-   -   immunostimulation can be provided while retaining the structure        of a membrane protein; and    -   there is no need to purify the antigen for immunization.

In order to prepare a monoclonal antibody of the present invention usingDNA immunization, first, a DNA expressing an antigen protein isadministered to an animal to be immunized. The antigen protein-encodingDNA can be synthesized by known methods such as PCR. The obtained DNA isinserted into an appropriate expression vector, and then this isadministered to an animal to be immunized. Preferably used expressionvectors include, for example, commercially-available expression vectorssuch as pcDNA3.1. Vectors can be administered to an organism usingconventional methods. For example, DNA immunization is performed byusing a gene gun to introduce expression vector-coated gold particlesinto cells in the body of an animal to be immunized.

After immunizing a mammal as described above, an increase in the titerof an antigen-binding antibody is confirmed in the serum. Then, immunecells are collected from the mammal, and then subjected to cell fusion.In particular, splenocytes are preferably used as immune cells.

A mammalian myeloma cell is used as a cell to be fused with theabove-mentioned immune cells. The myeloma cells preferably comprise asuitable selection marker for screening. A selection marker conferscharacteristics to cells for their survival (or death) under a specificculture condition. Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferasedeficiency (hereinafter abbreviated as HGPRT deficiency) and thymidinekinase deficiency (hereinafter abbreviated as TK deficiency) are knownas selection markers. Cells with HGPRT or TK deficiency havehypoxanthine-aminopterin-thymidine sensitivity (hereinafter abbreviatedas HAT sensitivity). HAT-sensitive cells cannot synthesize DNA in a HATselection medium, and are thus killed. However, when the cells are fusedwith normal cells, they can continue DNA synthesis using the salvagepathway of the normal cells, and therefore they can grow even in the HATselection medium.

HGPRT-deficient and TK-deficient cells can be selected in a mediumcontaining 6-thioguanine, 8-azaguanine (hereinafter abbreviated as 8AG),or 5′-bromodeoxyuridine. Normal cells are killed because theyincorporate these pyrimidine analogs into their DNA. Meanwhile, cellsthat are deficient in these enzymes can survive in the selection medium,since they cannot incorporate these pyrimidine analogs. In addition, aselection marker referred to as G418 resistance provided by theneomycin-resistant gene confers resistance to 2-deoxystreptamineantibiotics (gentamycin analogs). Various types of myeloma cells thatare suitable for cell fusion are known.

For example, myeloma cells including the following cells can bepreferably used: P3(P3x63Ag8.653) (J. Immunol. (1979) 123 (4),1548-1550); P3x63Ag8U.1 (Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology(1978)81, 1-7); NS-1 (C. Eur. J. Immunol. (1976)6 (7), 511-519); MPC-11(Cell (1976) 8 (3), 405-415); SP2/0 (Nature (1978) 276 (5685), 269-270);FO (J. Immunol. Methods (1980) 35 (1-2), 1-21); S194/5.XXO.BU.1 (J. Exp.Med. (1978) 148 (1), 313-323); 8210 (Nature (1979) 277 (5692), 131-133),etc.

Cell fusions between the immunocytes and myeloma cells are essentiallycarried out using known methods, for example, a method by Kohler andMilstein et al. (Methods Enzymol. (1981) 73: 3-46).

More specifically, cell fusion can be carried out, for example, in aconventional culture medium in the presence of a cell fusion-promotingagent. The fusion-promoting agents include, for example, polyethyleneglycol (PEG) and Sendai virus (HVJ). If required, an auxiliary substancesuch as dimethyl sulfoxide is also added to improve fusion efficiency.

The ratio of immunocytes to myeloma cells may be arbitrarily set,preferably, for example, one myeloma cell for every one to tenimmunocytes. Culture media to be used for cell fusions include, forexample, media that are suitable for the growth of myeloma cell lines,such as RPMI1640 medium and MEM medium, and other conventional culturemedium used for this type of cell culture. In addition, serumsupplements such as fetal calf serum (FCS) may be preferably added tothe culture medium.

For cell fusion, predetermined amounts of the above immune cells andmyeloma cells are mixed well in the above culture medium. Then, a PEGsolution (for example, the average molecular weight is about 1,000 to6,000) prewarmed to about 37° C. is added thereto at a concentration ofgenerally 30% to 60% (w/v). The mixed solution is gently mixed toproduce desired fusion cells (hybridomas). Then, an appropriate culturemedium mentioned above is gradually added to the cells, and this isrepeatedly centrifuged to remove the supernatant. Thus, cell fusionagents and such which are unfavorable to hybridoma growth can beremoved.

The hybridomas thus obtained can be selected by culture using aconventional selective medium, for example, HAT medium (a culture mediumcontaining hypoxanthine, aminopterin, and thymidine). Culture iscontinued in the above medium using the HAT medium for a period of timesufficient to kill cells other than the desired hybridomas (non-fusedcells). Typically, the period is several days to several weeks. Then,hybridomas producing the desired antibody are screened and singly clonedby conventional limiting dilution methods.

The hybridomas thus obtained can be selected using a selection mediumbased on the selection marker possessed by the myeloma used for cellfusion. For example, HGPRT- or TK-deficient cells can be selected byculture using the HAT medium (a culture medium containing hypoxanthine,aminopterin, and thymidine). Specifically, when HAT-sensitive myelomacells are used for cell fusion, cells successfully fused with normalcells can selectively proliferate in the HAT medium. Culture iscontinued in the above medium using the HAT medium for a period of timesufficient to kill cells other than the desired hybridomas (non-fusedcells). Specifically, desired hybridomas can be selected by culture forgenerally several days to several weeks. Then, hybridomas producing thedesired antibody are screened and singly cloned by conventional limitingdilution methods.

Screening and single cloning of desired antibodies can be suitablyperformed by screening methods based on known antigen-antibody reaction.For example, a desired antibody can be selected by screening usingfluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). FACS is a system thatenables measurement of the binding of an antibody to cell surface byanalyzing cells contacted with a fluorescent antibody using laser beam,and measuring the fluorescence emitted from individual cells.

To screen for hybridomas that produce a monoclonal antibody of thepresent invention by FACS, cells that express the antigen bound by theproduced antibody are first prepared. Preferred cells used for screeningare mammalian cells that are forced to express the antigen. By usingmammalian cells that are used as the host cell but have not beentransformed as a control, the activity of an antibody to bind to thecell-surface antigen can be selectively detected. Specifically,hybridomas producing a desired monoclonal antibody can be obtained byselecting hybridomas that produce an antibody which binds to cellsforced to express the antigen but not to the host cell.

Alternatively, cells expressing the antigen of interest are immobilizedand the activity of an antibody to bind to the antigen-expressing cellscan be assessed based on the principle of ELISA. For example,antigen-expressing cells are immobilized to the wells of an ELISA plate.Culture supernatants of hybridomas are contacted with the immobilizedcells in the wells, and antibodies that bind to the immobilized cellsare detected. When the monoclonal antibodies are derived from mouse,antibodies bound to the cells can be detected using an anti-mouseimmunoglobulin antibody. Hybridomas producing a desired antibody havingthe antigen-binding ability are selected by the above screening, andthey can be cloned by a limiting dilution method or the like.

Monoclonal antibody-producing hybridomas thus prepared can be passagedin a conventional culture medium. The hybridomas can be stored in liquidnitrogen for a long period.

The above hybridomas are cultured by a conventional method, and desiredmonoclonal antibodies can be obtained from the culture supernatants.Alternatively, the hybridomas are administered to and grown incompatible mammals, and monoclonal antibodies can be obtained from theascites. The former method is suitable for obtaining antibodies withhigh purity.

Antibodies that are encoded by antibody genes cloned fromantibody-producing cells such as the above hybridomas can also bepreferably used. A cloned antibody gene is inserted into an appropriatevector, and this is introduced into a host to express the antibodyencoded by the gene. Methods for isolating antibody genes, inserting thegenes into vectors, and transforming host cells have already beenestablished, for example, by Vandamme et al. (Eur. J. Biochem. (1990)192(3), 767-775). Methods for producing recombinant antibodies are alsoknown as described below.

Generally, to obtain a cDNA encoding the antibody variable region (Vregion), total

RNA is first extracted from hybridomas. For example, the followingmethods can be used as methods for extracting mRNAs from cells:

-   -   the guanidine ultracentrifugation method (Biochemistry (1979)        18(24), 5294-5299), and    -   the AGPC method (Anal. Biochem. (1987) 162(1), 156-159).

Extracted mRNAs can be purified using the mRNA Purification Kit (GEHealthcare Bioscience) or such. Alternatively, kits for extracting totalmRNA directly from cells, such as the QuickPrep mRNA Purification Kit(GE Healthcare Bioscience), are also commercially available. mRNAs canbe prepared from hybridomas using such kits. cDNAs encoding the antibodyV region can be synthesized from the prepared mRNAs using a reversetranscriptase. cDNAs can be synthesized using the AMV ReverseTranscriptase First-strand cDNA Synthesis Kit (Seikagaku Corporation) orsuch. Furthermore, the SMART RACE cDNA amplification kit (Clontech) andthe PCR-based 5′-RACE method (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1988) 85(23),8998-9002; Nucleic Acids Res. (1989) 17(8), 2919-2932) can beappropriately used to synthesize and amplify cDNAs. In such a cDNAsynthesis process, appropriate restriction enzyme sites described belowmay be introduced into both ends of a cDNA.

The cDNA fragment of interest is purified from the resulting PCRproduct, and then this is ligated to a vector DNA. A recombinant vectoris thus constructed, and introduced into E. coli or such. After colonyselection, the desired recombinant vector can be prepared from thecolony-forming E. coli. Then, whether the recombinant vector has thecDNA nucleotide sequence of interest is tested by a known method such asthe dideoxy nucleotide chain termination method.

The 5′-RACE method which uses primers to amplify the variable regiongene is conveniently used for isolating the gene encoding the variableregion. First, a 5′-RACE cDNA library is constructed by cDNA synthesisusing RNAs extracted from hybridoma cells as a template. A commerciallyavailable kit such as the SMART RACE cDNA amplification kit isappropriately used to synthesize the 5′-RACE cDNA library.

The antibody gene is amplified by PCR using the prepared 5′-RACE cDNAlibrary as a template. Primers for amplifying the mouse antibody genecan be designed based on known antibody gene sequences. The nucleotidesequences of the primers vary depending on the immunoglobulin subclass.Therefore, it is preferable that the subclass is determined in advanceusing a commercially available kit such as the Iso Strip mousemonoclonal antibody isotyping kit (Roche Diagnostics).

Specifically, for example, primers that allow amplification of genesencoding γ1, γ2a, γ2b, and γ3 heavy chains and κ and λ light chains areused to isolate mouse IgG-encoding genes. In general, a primer thatanneals to a constant region site close to the variable region is usedas a 3′-side primer to amplify an IgG variable region gene. Meanwhile, aprimer attached to a 5′-RACE cDNA library construction kit is used as a5′-side primer.

Immunoglobulins composed of a combination of heavy and light chains maybe reshaped using the thus amplified PCR products. A desired antibodycan be selected by screening using the antigen-binding activity of areshaped immunoglobulin as an indicator. The screening can be carriedout, for example, by the following steps:

-   (1) contacting a desired antigen-expressing cell with an antibody    comprising the V region encoded by a cDNA obtained from a hybridoma;-   (2) detecting the binding of the antibody to the antigen-expressing    cell; and-   (3) selecting an antibody that binds to the antigen-expressing cell.

Methods for detecting the binding of an antibody to theantigen-expressing cells are known. Specifically, the binding of anantibody to the antigen-expressing cells can be detected by theabove-described techniques such as FACS. Fixed samples of theantigen-expressing cells may be appropriately used to assess the bindingactivity of an antibody.

For antibody screening methods that use the binding activity as anindicator, panning methods that use phage vectors can also be usedsuitably. Screening methods using phage vectors are advantageous whenthe antibody genes are obtained from a polyclonal antibody-expressingcell population as heavy-chain and light-chain subclass libraries. Genesencoding the heavy-chain and light-chain variable regions can be linkedby an appropriate linker sequence to form a single-chain Fv (scFv).Phages expressing scFv on their surface can be produced by inserting ascFv-encoding gene into a phage vector. The phages are contacted with anantigen of interest. Then, a DNA encoding scFv having the bindingactivity of interest can be isolated by collecting phages bound to theantigen. This process can be repeated as necessary to enrich scFv havingthe binding activity of interest.

After isolation of the cDNA encoding the V region of the antibody ofinterest, the cDNA is digested with restriction enzymes that recognizethe restriction sites introduced into both ends of the cDNA. Preferredrestriction enzymes recognize and cleave a nucleotide sequence thatoccurs in the nucleotide sequence of the antibody gene at a lowfrequency. Furthermore, a restriction site for an enzyme that produces asticky end is preferably introduced into a vector to insert asingle-copy digested fragment in the correct orientation. The cDNAencoding the V region of the antibody is digested as described above,and this is inserted into an appropriate expression vector to constructan antibody expression vector. In this case, if a gene encoding theantibody constant region (C region) and a gene encoding the above Vregion are fused in-frame, a chimeric antibody is obtained. Herein, a“chimeric antibody” means that the origin of the constant region isdifferent from that of the variable region. Thus, in addition tomouse/human heterochimeric antibodies, human/human allochimericantibodies are included in the chimeric antibodies of the presentinvention. A chimeric antibody expression vector can be constructed byinserting the above V region gene into an expression vector that alreadyhas the constant region. Specifically, for example, a recognitionsequence for a restriction enzyme that excises the above V region genecan be appropriately placed on the 5′-side of an expression vectorcarrying a DNA that encodes a desired antibody constant region (Cregion). A chimeric antibody expression vector is constructed by fusingin-frame two genes digested with the same combination of restrictionenzymes.

To produce a monoclonal antibody, antibody genes are inserted into anexpression vector so that the genes are expressed under the control ofan expression regulatory region. The expression regulatory region forantibody expression includes, for example, enhancers and promoters.Furthermore, an appropriate signal sequence may be attached to the aminoterminus so that the expressed antibody is secreted to the outside ofcells. The signal sequence is cleaved from the carboxyl terminus of theexpressed polypeptide, and the resulting antibody can be secreted to theoutside of cells. Then, appropriate host cells are transformed with theexpression vector, and recombinant cells expressing theantibody-encoding DNA can be obtained.

DNAs encoding the antibody heavy chain (H chain) and light chain (Lchain) are separately inserted into different expression vectors toexpress the antibody gene. An antibody molecule having the H and Lchains can be expressed by co-transfecting the same host cell withvectors inserted with the H chain and L chain. Alternatively, host cellscan be transformed with a single expression vector into which DNAsencoding the H and L chains are inserted (see WO 94/11523).

There are many known combinations of host cells and expression vectorsfor antibody preparation by introducing isolated antibody genes intoappropriate hosts. All these expression systems are applicable toisolation of the domains that bind to a molecule expressed on thesurface of a cell having immune response-suppressing function of thepresent invention and T cell receptor complex-binding domain.

Appropriate eukaryotic cells used as host cells include animal cells,plant cells, and fungal cells. Specifically, the animal cells include,for example, the following cells.

-   (1) mammalian cells: CHO, COS, myeloma, baby hamster kidney (BHK),    HeLa, Vero, or such;-   (2) amphibian cells: Xenopus oocytes, or such; and-   (3) insect cells: sf9, sf21, Tn5, or such.

In addition, as a plant cell, an antibody gene expression system usingcells derived from the Nicotiana genus such as Nicotiana tabacum isknown. Callus cultured cells can be appropriately used to transformplant cells.

Furthermore, the following cells can be used as fungal cells:

-   yeasts: the Saccharomyces genus such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae,    and the Pichia genus such as Pichia pastoris; and-   filamentous fungi: the Aspergillus genus such as Aspergillus niger.

Furthermore, antibody gene expression systems that utilize prokaryoticcells are also known. For example, when using bacterial cells, E. colicells, Bacillus subtilis cells, and such can suitably be utilized in thepresent invention. Expression vectors carrying the antibody genes ofinterest are introduced into these cells by transfection. Thetransfected cells are cultured in vitro, and the desired antibody can beprepared from the culture of transformed cells.

In addition to the above-described host cells, transgenic animals canalso be used to produce a recombinant antibody. That is, the antibodycan be obtained from an animal into which the gene encoding the antibodyof interest is introduced. For example, the antibody gene can beconstructed as a fusion gene by inserting in frame into a gene thatencodes a protein produced specifically in milk. Goat β-casein or suchcan be used, for example, as the protein secreted in milk. DNA fragmentscontaining the fused gene inserted with the antibody gene is injectedinto a goat embryo, and then this embryo is introduced into a femalegoat. Desired antibodies can be obtained as a protein fused with themilk protein from milk produced by the transgenic goat born from theembryo-recipient goat (or progeny thereof). In addition, to increase thevolume of milk containing the desired antibody produced by thetransgenic goat, hormones can be administered to the transgenic goat asnecessary (Bio/Technology (1994) 12 (7), 699-702).

When an antigen-binding molecule described herein is administered tohuman, an antigen-binding domain derived from a genetically recombinantantibody that has been artificially modified to reduce the heterologousantigenicity against human and such, can be appropriately used as thevarious binding domains in the molecule when domains comprising anantibody variable region are used. Such genetically recombinantantibodies include, for example, humanized antibodies. These modifiedantibodies are appropriately produced by known methods.

An antibody variable region used to produce the various binding domainsof antigen-binding molecules described herein is generally formed bythree complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) that are separated byfour framework regions (FRs). CDR is a region that substantiallydetermines the binding specificity of an antibody. The amino acidsequences of CDRs are highly diverse. On the other hand, the FR-formingamino acid sequences often have high identity even among antibodies withdifferent binding specificities. Therefore, generally, the bindingspecificity of a certain antibody can be introduced into anotherantibody by CDR grafting.

A humanized antibody is also called a reshaped human antibody.Specifically, humanized antibodies prepared by grafting the CDR of anon-human animal antibody such as a mouse antibody to a human antibodyand such are known. Common genetic engineering techniques for obtaininghumanized antibodies are also known. Specifically, for example, overlapextension PCR is known as a method for grafting a mouse antibody CDR toa human FR. In overlap extension PCR, a nucleotide sequence encoding amouse antibody CDR to be grafted is added to primers for synthesizing ahuman antibody FR. Primers are prepared for each of the four FRs. It isgenerally considered that when grafting a mouse CDR to a human FR,selecting a human FR that has high identity to a mouse FR isadvantageous for maintaining the CDR function. That is, it is generallypreferable to use a human FR comprising an amino acid sequence which hashigh identity to the amino acid sequence of the FR adjacent to the mouseCDR to be grafted.

Nucleotide sequences to be ligated are designed so that they will beconnected to each other in frame. Human FRs are individually synthesizedusing the respective primers. As a result, products in which the mouseCDR-encoding DNA is attached to the individual FR-encoding DNAs areobtained. Nucleotide sequences encoding the mouse CDR of each productare designed so that they overlap with each other. Then, complementarystrand synthesis reaction is conducted to anneal the overlapping CDRregions of the products synthesized using a human antibody gene astemplate. Human FRs are ligated via the mouse CDR sequences by thisreaction.

The full length V region gene, in which three CDRs and four FRs areultimately ligated, is amplified using primers that anneal to its 5′- or3′-end, which are added with suitable restriction enzyme recognitionsequences. An expression vector for humanized antibody can be producedby inserting the DNA obtained as described above and a DNA that encodesa human antibody C region into an expression vector so that they willligate in frame. After the recombinant vector is transfected into a hostto establish recombinant cells, the recombinant cells are cultured, andthe DNA encoding the humanized antibody is expressed to produce thehumanized antibody in the cell culture (see, European Patent PublicationNo. EP 239400 and International Patent Publication No. WO 1996/002576).

By qualitatively or quantitatively measuring and evaluating theantigen-binding activity of the humanized antibody produced as describedabove, one can suitably select human antibody FRs that allow CDRs toform a favorable antigen-binding site when ligated through the CDRs.Amino acid residues in FRs may be substituted as necessary, so that theCDRs of a reshaped human antibody form an appropriate antigen-bindingsite. For example, amino acid sequence mutations can be introduced intoFRs by applying the PCR method used for grafting a mouse CDR into ahuman FR. More specifically, partial nucleotide sequence mutations canbe introduced into primers that anneal to the FR. Nucleotide sequencemutations are introduced into the FRs synthesized by using such primers.Mutant FR sequences having the desired characteristics can be selectedby measuring and evaluating the activity of the amino acid-substitutedmutant antibody to bind to the antigen by the above-mentioned method(Sato, K. et al., Cancer Res. (1993) 53: 851-856).

Alternatively, desired human antibodies can be obtained by immunizingtransgenic animals having the entire repertoire of human antibody genes(see WO 1993/012227; WO 1992/003918; WO 1994/002602; WO 1994/025585; WO1996/034096; WO 1996/033735) by DNA immunization.

Furthermore, techniques for preparing human antibodies by panning usinghuman antibody libraries are also known. For example, the V region of ahuman antibody is expressed as a single-chain antibody (scFv) on phagesurface by the phage display method. Phages expressing a scFv that bindsto the antigen can be selected. The DNA sequence encoding the humanantibody V region that binds to the antigen can be determined byanalyzing the genes of selected phages. The DNA sequence of the scFvthat binds to the antigen is determined. An expression vector isprepared by fusing the V region sequence in frame with the C regionsequence of a desired human antibody, and inserting this into anappropriate expression vector. The expression vector is introduced intocells appropriate for expression such as those described above. Thehuman antibody can be produced by expressing the human antibody-encodinggene in the cells. These methods are already known (see WO 1992/001047;WO 1992/020791; WO 1993/006213; WO 1993/011236; WO 1993/019172; WO1995/001438; WO 1995/015388).

In addition to the phage display method, techniques that use a cell-freetranslation system, techniques for displaying antigen-binding moleculeson the surface of viruses or cells, and techniques that use emulsionsare also known as techniques for obtaining human antibodies by panningusing human antibody libraries. For example, the ribosome display methodwhere a complex is formed between the translated protein and mRNA viathe ribosome by removing the stop codon and such, the cDNA displaymethod or the mRNA display method where a genetic sequence and thetranslated protein are covalently linked using a compound such aspuromycin, the CIS display method where a complex is formed between thegene and the translated protein using a nucleic acid-binding protein, orsuch may be used as techniques of using a cell-free translation system.For the technique of presenting antigen-binding molecules on the surfaceof cells or viruses, besides the phage display method, the E. colidisplay method, Gram-positive bacteria display method, yeast displaymethod, mammalian cell display method, virus display method, and suchmay be used. As a technique that uses emulsions, the in vitro virusdisplay method which involves incorporating genes andtranslation-related molecules into an emulsion, and such may be used.These methods are already publicly known (Nat Biotechnol. 2000 December;18(12):1287-92; Nucleic Acids Res. 2006; 34(19): e127; Proc. Natl. Acad.Sci. USA. 2004 Mar. 2; 101(9):2806-10; Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 2004Jun. 22; 101(25):9193-8; Protein Eng Des Sel. 2008 April; 21(4):247-55;Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 2000 Sep. 26; 97(20):10701-5; MAbs. 2010September-October; 2(5):508-18; and Methods Mol Biol. 2012, 911:183-98).

In the present invention, “specific” means a condition where one of themolecules involved in specific binding does not show any significantbinding to molecules other than a single or a number of binding partnermolecules. Furthermore, “specific” is also used when an antigen-bindingdomain is specific to a particular epitope among multiple epitopescontained in an antigen. When an epitope bound by an antigen-bindingdomain is contained in multiple different antigens, antigen-bindingmolecules containing the antigen-binding domain can bind to variousantigens that have the epitope.

“Epitope” means an antigenic determinant in an antigen, and refers to anantigen site to which various binding domains in antigen-bindingmolecules disclosed herein bind. Thus, for example, an epitope can bedefined according to its structure. Alternatively, the epitope may bedefined according to the antigen-binding activity of an antigen-bindingmolecule that recognizes the epitope. When the antigen is a peptide orpolypeptide, the epitope can be specified by the amino acid residuesthat form the epitope. Alternatively, when the epitope is a sugar chain,the epitope can be specified by its specific sugar chain structure.

A linear epitope is an epitope that contains an epitope whose primaryamino acid sequence is recognized. Such a linear epitope typicallycontains at least three and most commonly at least five, for example,about 8 to 10 or 6 to 20 amino acids in its specific sequence.

In contrast to the linear epitope, “conformational epitope” is anepitope in which the primary amino acid sequence containing the epitopeis not the only determinant of the recognized epitope (for example, theprimary amino acid sequence of a conformational epitope is notnecessarily recognized by an epitope-defining antibody). Conformationalepitopes may contain a greater number of amino acids compared to linearepitopes. A conformational epitope-recognizing antibody recognizes thethree-dimensional structure of a peptide or protein. For example, when aprotein molecule folds and forms a three-dimensional structure, aminoacids and/or polypeptide main chains that form a conformational epitopebecome aligned, and the epitope is made recognizable by the antibody.Methods for determining epitope conformations include, for example, Xray crystallography, two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonancespectroscopy, site-specific spin labeling, and electron paramagneticresonance spectroscopy, but are not limited thereto. See, for example,Epitope Mapping Protocols in Methods in Molecular Biology (1996), Vol.66, Morris (ed.).

Examples of a method for assessing the binding of an epitope in amolecule expressed on the surface of a cell having immuneresponse-suppressing function by a test antigen-binding molecule areshown below. According to the examples below, methods for assessing thebinding of an epitope in a target antigen by another binding domain canalso be appropriately conducted.

For example, when CTLA4 is selected as the molecule expressed on thesurface of a cell having immune response-suppressing function, whether atest antigen-binding molecule that comprises an antigen-binding domainfor the molecule recognizes a linear epitope in the antigen molecule canbe confirmed for example as mentioned below. For example, a linearpeptide comprising an amino acid sequence forming the extracellulardomain of CTLA4 is synthesized for the above purpose. The peptide can besynthesized chemically, or obtained by genetic engineering techniquesusing a region in a cDNA of CTLA4 encoding the amino acid sequence thatcorresponds to the extracellular domain. Then, a test antigen-bindingmolecule containing an antigen-binding domain for CTLA4 is assessed forits binding activity towards a linear peptide comprising theextracellular domain-constituting amino acid sequence. For example, animmobilized linear peptide can be used as an antigen to evaluate thebinding activity of the antigen-binding molecule towards the peptide byELISA. Alternatively, the binding activity towards a linear peptide canbe assessed based on the level at which the linear peptide inhibitsbinding of the antigen-binding molecule to CTLA4-expressing cells. Thebinding activity of the antigen-binding molecule towards the linearpeptide can be demonstrated by these tests.

Whether the above-mentioned test antigen-binding molecule containing anantigen-binding domain towards an antigen recognizes a conformationalepitope can be confirmed as below. For example, the above-mentionedantigen-binding molecule that comprises an antigen-binding domain forCTLA4 strongly binds to CTLA4-expressing cells upon contact, but doesnot substantially bind to an immobilized linear peptide comprising anamino acid sequence forming the extracellular domain of CTLA4. Herein,“does not substantially bind” means that the binding activity is 80% orless, generally 50% or less, preferably 30% or less, and particularlypreferably 15% or less compared to the binding activity toantigen-expressing cells.

Methods for assaying the binding activity of a test antigen-bindingmolecule comprising an antigen-binding domain to antigen-expressingcells include, for example, the methods described in Antibodies ALaboratory Manual (Ed Harlow, David Lane, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory(1988) 359-420). Specifically, the assessment can be performed based onthe principle of ELISA or fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS)using antigen-expressing cells as antigen.

In the ELISA format, the binding activity of a test antigen-bindingmolecule comprising an antigen-binding domain towards antigen-expressingcells can be assessed quantitatively by comparing the levels of signalsgenerated by enzymatic reaction. Specifically, a test antigen-bindingmolecule is added to an ELISA plate onto which antigen-expressing cellsare immobilized. Then, the test antigen-binding molecule bound to thecells is detected using an enzyme-labeled antibody that recognizes thetest antigen-binding molecule. Alternatively, when FACS is used, adilution series of a test antigen-binding molecule is prepared, and theantibody-binding titer for antigen-expressing cells can be determined tocompare the binding activity of the test antigen-binding moleculetowards antigen-expressing cells.

The binding of a test antigen-binding molecule to an antigen expressedon the surface of cells suspended in buffer or the like can be detectedusing a flow cytometer. Known flow cytometers include, for example, thefollowing devices:

-   FACSCanto™ II-   FACSAria™-   FAC SArray™-   FACSVantage™ SE-   FACSCalibur™ (all are trade names of BD Biosciences)-   EPICS ALTRA HyPerSort-   Cytomics FC 500-   EPICS XL-MCL ADC EPICS XL ADC-   Cell Lab Quanta/Cell Lab Quanta SC (all are trade names of Beckman    Coulter).

Suitable methods for assaying the binding activity of theabove-mentioned test antigen-binding molecule comprising anantigen-binding domain towards an antigen include, for example, themethod below. First, antigen-expressing cells are reacted with a testantigen-binding molecule, and then this is stained with an FITC-labeledsecondary antibody that recognizes the antigen-binding molecule. Thetest antigen-binding molecule is appropriately diluted with a suitablebuffer to prepare the antigen-binding molecule at a desiredconcentration. For example, the molecule can be used at a concentrationwithin the range of 10 μg/ml to 10 ng/ml. Then, the fluorescenceintensity and cell count are determined using FACSCalibur (BD). Thefluorescence intensity obtained by analysis using the CELL QUESTSoftware (BD), i.e., the Geometric Mean value, reflects the quantity ofantibody bound to the cells. That is, the binding activity of a testantigen-binding molecule, which is represented by the quantity of thetest antigen-binding molecule bound, can be measured by determining theGeometric Mean value.

Whether a test antigen-binding molecule comprising an antigen-bindingdomain of the present invention shares a common epitope with anotherantigen-binding molecule can be assessed based on competition betweenthe two molecules for the same epitope. The competition betweenantigen-binding molecules can be detected by a cross-blocking assay orthe like. For example, the competitive ELISA assay is a preferredcross-blocking assay.

Specifically, in a cross-blocking assay, the antigen coating the wellsof a microtiter plate is pre-incubated in the presence or absence of acandidate competitor antigen-binding molecule, and then a testantigen-binding molecule is added thereto. The quantity of testantigen-binding molecule bound to the antigen in the wells indirectlycorrelates with the binding ability of a candidate competitorantigen-binding molecule that competes for the binding to the sameepitope. That is, the greater the affinity of the competitorantigen-binding molecule for the same epitope, the lower the bindingactivity of the test antigen-binding molecule towards the antigen-coatedwells.

The quantity of the test antigen-binding molecule bound to the wells viathe antigen can be readily determined by labeling the antigen-bindingmolecule in advance. For example, a biotin-labeled antigen-bindingmolecule can be measured using an avidin/peroxidase conjugate andappropriate substrate. In particular, a cross-blocking assay that usesenzyme labels such as peroxidase is called “competitive ELISA assay”.The antigen-binding molecule can also be labeled with other labelingsubstances that enable detection or measurement. Specifically,radiolabels, fluorescent labels, and such are known.

When the candidate competitor antigen-binding molecule can block thebinding of a test antigen-binding molecule comprising an antigen-bindingdomain by at least 20%, preferably at least 20 to 50%, and morepreferably at least 50% compared to the binding activity in a controlexperiment conducted in the absence of the competitor antigen-bindingmolecule, the test antigen-binding molecule is determined tosubstantially bind to the same epitope bound by the competitorantigen-binding molecule, or to compete for binding to the same epitope.

When the structure of an epitope bound by a test antigen-bindingmolecule comprising an antigen-binding domain of the present inventionis already identified, whether the test and control antigen-bindingmolecules share a common epitope can be assessed by comparing thebinding activities of the two antigen-binding molecules towards apeptide prepared by introducing amino acid mutations into the peptideforming the epitope.

As a method for measuring such binding activities, for example, thebinding activities of test and control antigen-binding molecules towardsa linear peptide into which a mutation is introduced are measured bycomparison in the above ELISA format. Besides the ELISA methods, thebinding activity towards the mutant peptide bound to a column can bedetermined by passing the test and control antigen-binding moleculesthrough the column, and then quantifying the antigen-binding moleculeeluted in the eluate. Methods for adsorbing a mutant peptide to acolumn, for example, in the form of a GST fusion peptide, are known.

Alternatively, when the identified epitope is a conformational epitope,whether test and control antigen-binding molecules share a commonepitope can be assessed by the following method. First, cells expressingan antigen targeted by an antigen-binding domain and cells expressing anantigen having an epitope introduced with a mutation are prepared. Thetest and control antigen-binding molecules are added to a cellsuspension prepared by suspending these cells in an appropriate buffersuch as PBS. Then, the cell suspension is appropriately washed with abuffer, and an FITC-labeled antibody that can recognize the test andcontrol antigen-binding molecules is added thereto. The fluorescenceintensity and number of cells stained with the labeled antibody aredetermined using FACSCalibur (BD). The test and control antigen-bindingmolecules are appropriately diluted using a suitable buffer, and used atdesired concentrations. For example, they may be used at a concentrationwithin the range of 10 μg/ml to 10 ng/ml. The fluorescence intensitydetermined by analysis using the CELL QUEST Software (BD), i.e., theGeometric Mean value, reflects the quantity of the labeled antibodybound to the cells. That is, the binding activities of the test andcontrol antigen-binding molecules, which are represented by the quantityof the labeled antibody bound, can be measured by determining theGeometric Mean value.

An “antigen-binding molecule” of the present invention comprises bothheavy and light chains which form an “antibody variable region” of thisinvention within a single polypeptide chain; however, it may be anantibody fragment lacking a constant region. Examples of such antibodyfragments include a diabody (Db), an scFv, a single-chain antibody, ansc(Fv)₂, and an sc(Fab′)₂.

Db is a dimer composed of two polypeptide chains (Holliger P et al.,Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90: 6444-6448 (1993); EP404,097; WO93/11161).In each polypeptide chain, an L-chain variable region (VL) and anH-chain variable region (VH) are linked by a linker short enough so thatthese two regions on the same chain cannot associate with each other,for example, a linker of about five residues.

Because the linker between VL and VH is too short for formation of asingle chain variable region fragment, VL and VH encoded on the samepolypeptide chain dimerize to form two antigen-binding sites.

Furthermore, herein, the terms “scFv”, “single-chain antibody”, and“sc(Fv)₂” all refer to an antibody fragment of a single polypeptidechain that contains variable regions derived from the heavy and lightchains, but not the constant region. In general, a single-chain antibodyalso contains a polypeptide linker between the VH and VL domains, whichenables formation of a desired structure that is thought to allowantigen binding. The single-chain antibody is discussed in detail byPluckthun in “The Pharmacology of Monoclonal Antibodies, Vol. 113,Rosenburg and Moore, eds., Springer-Verlag, New York, 269-315 (1994)”.See also International Patent Publication WO 1988/001649; U.S. Pat. Nos.4,946,778 and 5,260,203. In a particular embodiment, the single-chainantibody can be bispecific and/or humanized.

scFv is an antigen-binding domain in which VH and VL forming Fv arelinked together by a peptide linker (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.(1988) 85(16), 5879-5883). VH and VL can be retained in close proximityby the peptide linker.

sc(Fv)₂ is a single-chain antibody in which four variable regions of twoVL and two VH are linked by linkers such as peptide linkers to form asingle chain (J Immunol. Methods (1999) 231(1-2), 177-189). The two VHand two VL may be derived from different monoclonal antibodies. Suchsc(Fv)₂ preferably includes, for example, a bispecific sc(Fv)₂ thatrecognizes two types of epitopes present in a single antigen asdisclosed in the Journal of Immunology (1994) 152(11), 5368-5374.sc(Fv)₂ can be produced by methods known to those skilled in the art.For example, sc(Fv)₂ can be produced by linking scFv by a linker such asa peptide linker.

Herein, the form of an antigen-binding domain forming an sc(Fv)₂ includean antibody in which the two VH units and two VL units are arranged inthe order of VH, VL, VH, and VL([VH]-linker-[VL]-linker-[VH]-linker-[VL]) beginning from the N terminusof a single-chain polypeptide. The order of the two VH units and two VLunits is not limited to the above form, and they may be arranged in anyorder. Example order of the form is listed below.

-   [VL]-linker-[VH]-linker-[VH]-linker-[VL]-   [VH]-linker-[VL]-linker-[VL]-linker-[VH]-   [VH]-linker-[VH]-linker-[VL]-linker-[VL]-   [VL]-linker-[VL]-linker-[VH]-linker-[VH]-   [VL]-linker-[VH]-linker-[VL]-linker-[VH]

The molecular form of sc(Fv)₂ is also described in detail inWO2006/132352. According to these descriptions, those skilled in the artcan appropriately prepare desired sc(Fv)₂ to produce the antigen-bindingmolecules disclosed herein.

Herein, the term “variable fragment (Fv)” refers to the minimum unit ofan antibody-derived antigen-binding domain composed of a pair of theantibody light chain variable region (VL) and antibody heavy chainvariable region (VH). In 1988, Skerra and Pluckthun found thathomogeneous and active antibodies can be prepared from the E. coliperiplasm fraction by inserting an antibody gene downstream of abacterial signal sequence and inducing expression of the gene in E. coli(Science (1988) 240(4855), 1038-1041). In the Fv prepared from theperiplasm fraction, VH associates with VL in a manner so as to bind toan antigen.

Furthermore, the antigen-binding molecule of the present invention maybe conjugated with a carrier polymer such as PEG or an organic compoundsuch as an anticancer agent. Alternatively, a glycosylation sequence canbe inserted to suitably add a sugar chain for the purpose of producing adesired effect.

The linkers to be used for linking the variable regions of an antibodycomprise arbitrary peptide linkers that can be introduced by geneticengineering, synthetic linkers, and linkers disclosed in, for example,Protein Engineering, 9(3), 299-305, 1996. However, peptide linkers arepreferred in the present invention. The length of the peptide linkers isnot particularly limited, and can be suitably selected by those skilledin the art according to the purpose. The length is preferably five aminoacids or more (without particular limitation, the upper limit isgenerally 30 amino acids or less, preferably 20 amino acids or less),and particularly preferably 15 amino acids. When sc(Fv)₂ contains threepeptide linkers, their length may be all the same or different.

For example, such peptide linkers include:

Ser Gly·Ser Gly·Gly·Ser Ser·Gly·Gly (SEQ ID NO: 20) Gly·Gly·Gly·Ser(SEQ ID NO: 21) Ser·Gly·Gly·Gly (SEQ ID NO: 22) Gly·Gly·Gly·Gly·Ser(SEQ ID NO: 23) Ser·Gly·Gly·Gly·Gly (SEQ ID NO: 24)Gly·Gly·Gly·Gly·Gly·Ser (SEQ ID NO: 25) Ser·Gly·Gly·Gly·Gly·Gly(SEQ ID NO: 26) Gly·Gly·Gly·Gly·Gly·Gly·Ser (SEQ ID NO: 27)Ser·Gly·Gly·Gly·Gly·Gly·Gly (Gly·Gly·Gly·Gly·Ser (SEQ ID NO: 22))n(Ser·Gly·Gly·Gly·Gly (SEQ ID NO: 23))nwhere n is an integer of 1 or larger. The length or sequences of peptidelinkers can be selected accordingly by those skilled in the artdepending on the purpose.

Synthetic linkers (chemical crosslinking agents) is routinely used tocrosslink peptides, and for example:

-   N-hydroxy succinimide (NETS),-   disuccinimidyl suberate (DSS),-   bis(sulfosuccinimidyl) suberate (BS3),-   dithiobis(succinimidyl propionate) (DSP),-   dithiobis(sulfosuccinimidyl propionate) (DTSSP),-   ethylene glycol bis(succinimidyl succinate) (EGS),-   ethylene glycol bis(sulfosuccinimidyl succinate) (sulfo-EGS),-   disuccinimidyl tartrate (DST), di sulfosuccinimidyl tartrate    (sulfo-DST),-   bis[2-(succinimidoxycarbonyloxy)ethyl] sulfone (BSOCOES),-   and bis[2-(sulfosuccinimidoxycarbonyloxy)ethyl] sulfone    (sulfo-BSOCOES). These crosslinking agents are commercially    available.

In general, three linkers are required to link four antibody variableregions together. The linkers to be used may be of the same type ordifferent types.

Furthermore, “Fab” is composed of a single light chain, and a CH1 domainand variable region from a single heavy chain. The heavy chain of Fabmolecule cannot form disulfide bonds with another heavy chain molecule.

“F(ab′)₂” or “Fab′” is produced by treating an immunoglobulin(monoclonal antibody) with a protease such as pepsin and papain, andrefers to an antibody fragment generated by digesting an immunoglobulin(monoclonal antibody) at near the disulfide bonds present between thehinge regions in each of the two H chains. For example, papain cleavesIgG upstream of the disulfide bonds present between the hinge regions ineach of the two H chains to generate two homologous antibody fragments,in which an L chain comprising VL (L-chain variable region) and CL(L-chain constant region) is linked to an H-chain fragment comprising VH(H-chain variable region) and CHγ1 (γ1 region in an H-chain constantregion) via a disulfide bond at their C-terminal regions. Each of thesetwo homologous antibody fragments is called Fab′.

“F(ab′)₂” contains two light chains and two heavy chains comprising theconstant region of a CH1 domain and a portion of a CH2 domain so thatdisulfide bonds are formed between the two heavy chains. The F(ab′)₂constituting an antigen-binding molecule disclosed herein can bepreferably obtained as below. A full-length monoclonal antibody or suchcomprising a desired antigen-binding domain is partially digested with aprotease such as pepsin, and then Fc fragments are removed by adsorptiononto a Protein A column. The protease is not particularly limited, aslong as it can digest the full-length antibody in a restrictive mannerto produce F(ab′)₂ under an appropriately established enzyme reactioncondition such as pH. Such proteases include, for example, pepsin andficin.

A preferred embodiment of the “antigen-binding molecule” of the presentinvention includes a multispecific antibody. When using an Fc regionwith decreased Fcγ receptor-binding activity as the Fc region of amultispecific antibody, an Fc region derived from a multispecificantibody may also be used appropriately. For the multispecificantibodies of the present invention, in particular, bispecificantibodies are preferred.

For association of multispecific antibodies, one can apply the techniqueof introducing charge repulsion at the interface of the second constantregion of the antibody H chain (CH2) or the third constant region of theH chain (CH3) to suppress undesired associations between H chains(WO2006/106905).

In the technique of suppressing unintended association between H chainsby introducing charge repulsion at the interface of CH2 or CH3, examplesof the amino acid residues that are contacted at the interface of otherconstant regions of the H chain include the region facing the residue atposition 356 (EU numbering), the residue at position 439 (EU numbering),the residue at position 357 (EU numbering), the residue at position 370(EU numbering), the residue at position 399 (EU numbering), and theresidue at position 409 (EU numbering) in the CH3 region.

More specifically, for example, for an antibody comprising two types ofH chain CH3 regions, the antibody can be made so that one to three pairsof amino acid residues selected from the amino acid residue pairs shownbelow in (1) to (3) in the first H chain CH3 region have the samecharge: (1) amino acid residues at positions 356 and 439 (EU numbering)which are amino acid residues contained in the H chain CH3 region; (2)amino acid residues at positions 357 and 370 (EU numbering) which areamino acid residues contained in the H chain CH3 region; and (3) aminoacid residues at positions 399 and 409 (EU numbering) which are aminoacid residues contained in the H chain CH3 region.

Furthermore, the antibody can be made so that one to three pairs ofamino acid residues corresponding to the amino acid residue pairs shownabove in (1) to (3) having the same type of charge in the first H chainCH3 region, which are amino acid residue pairs selected from the aminoacid residue pairs shown above in (1) to (3) in the second H chain CH3region which differs from the first H chain CH3 region, have a chargeopposite to the corresponding amino acid residues in the aforementionedfirst H chain CH3 region.

The respective amino acid residues of (1) to (3) mentioned above arepositioned close to each other when associated. For the desired H chainCH3 region or H chain constant region, those skilled in the art can findsites corresponding to the above-mentioned amino acid residues of (1) to(3) by homology modeling and such using commercially available software,and amino acid residues of these sites can be subjected to modificationsas appropriate.

In the above-mentioned antibodies, “amino acid residues having a charge”are preferably selected, for example, from amino acid residues containedin either one of groups (a) and (b) below:

-   (a) glutamic acid (E) and aspartic acid (D); and-   (b) lysine (K), arginine (R), and histidine (H).

Regarding the above-mentioned antibodies, “having the same type ofcharge” means, for example, that two or more amino acid residues allhave amino acid residues included in either one of the above-mentionedgroups (a) and (b). The phrase “having the opposite charge” means that,for example, when at least one of the two or more amino acid residueshas an amino acid residue included in either one of the above-mentionedgroups (a) and (b), the remaining amino acid residue(s) will have anamino acid residue included in the other group.

In a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned antibody, the first Hchain CH3 region and the second H chain CH3 region may be cross-linkedby a disulfide bond.

In the present invention, the amino acid residue to be subjected toalteration is not limited to an amino acid residue of the constantregion or variable region of the antibody described above. With regardto polypeptide mutants or heteromultimers, those skilled in the art canfind amino acid residues that form the interface through homologymodeling and such using commercially available software, and can subjectthe amino acid residues at those sites to alterations so thatassociation is regulated.

Other known techniques can also be used for the association ofmultispecific antibodies of the present invention. Polypeptides withdifferent amino acids having an Fc region can be efficiently associatedwith each other by substituting an amino acid side chain present in oneof the H chain variable regions of the antibody with a larger side chain(knob), and substituting an amino acid side chain present in thecorresponding variable region of the other H chain with a smaller sidechain (hole), to allow placement of the knob within the hole(WO1996/027011; Ridgway J B et al., Protein Engineering (1996) 9,617-621; Merchant A M et al. Nature Biotechnology (1998) 16, 677-681;and US20130336973).

In addition, other known techniques can also be used to formmultispecific antibodies of the present invention. Association ofpolypeptides having different sequences can be induced efficiently bycomplementary association of CH3s, using a strand-exchange engineeredCH3 domain produced by changing part of CH3 in one of the H chains of anantibody into its corresponding IgA-derived sequence, and introducinginto the complementary portion of the CH3 in the other H chain itscorresponding IgA-derived sequence (Protein Engineering Design &Selection, 23; 195-202, 2010). This known technique can also be used toefficiently form multispecific antibodies of interest.

In addition, the following techniques and such may be used for theformation of multispecific antibodies: techniques for antibodyproduction using association of antibody CH1 and CL, and association ofVH and VL as described in WO 2011/028952, WO2014/018572, and NatBiotechnol. 2014 February; 32(2):191-8; techniques for producingbispecific antibodies using separately prepared monoclonal antibodies incombination (Fab Arm Exchange) as described in WO2008/119353 andWO2011/131746; techniques for regulating association between antibodyheavy chain CH3s as described in WO2012/058768 and WO2013/063702;techniques for producing bispecific antibodies composed of two types oflight chains and one type of heavy chain as described in WO2012/023053;techniques for producing bispecific antibodies using two bacterial cellstrains that individually express one of the chains of an antibodycomprising a single H chain and a single L chain as described byChristoph et al. (Nature Biotechnology Vol. 31, p 753-758 (2013)).

An embodiment of multispecific antibody formation includes methods forobtaining bispecific antibodies by mixing two types of monoclonalantibodies in the presence of a reducing agent to cleave the disulfidebonds in the core hinge region, followed by re-association forheterodimerization (FAE) as described above. Meanwhile, introduction ofelectrostatic interactions at the interacting interface of the CH3region (WO2006/106905) can induce even more efficient heterodimerizationduring the re-association (WO2015/046467). In FAE usingnaturally-occurring IgG, re-association takes place randomly; and thustheoretically, bispecific antibodies can only be obtained at 50%efficiency; however, in this method, bispecific antibodies can beproduced in high yield.

Alternatively, even when a multispecific antibody of interest cannot beformed efficiently, a multispecific antibody of the present inventioncan be obtained by separating and purifying the multispecific antibodyof interest from the produced antibodies. For example, a method has beenreported that enables purification of two types of homologous forms andthe heterologous antibody of interest by ion exchange chromatography, byconferring a difference in the isoelectric points by introducing aminoacid substitutions into the variable regions of the two types of Hchains (WO2007114325). To date, as a method for purifying heterologousforms, a method using Protein A to purify a heterodimerized antibodycomprising a mouse IgG2a H chain that binds to Protein A and a rat IgG2bH chain that does not bind to Protein A has been reported (WO98050431and WO95033844). Furthermore, the heterodimerized antibody per se can bepurified efficiently using a Protein A column by changing theinteraction between each of the H chains and Protein A, by using Hchains in which amino acid residues at the IgG-Protein A binding site,positions 435 and 436 (EU numbering), are substituted with amino acidsthat yield a different binding strength to Protein A such as Tyr, His,or such.

Alternatively, a common L chain that can confer binding ability to aplurality of different H chains can be obtained and used as the common Lchain of a multispecific antibody. Efficient expression of amultispecific IgG can be achieved by introducing the genes of such acommon L chain and a plurality of different H chains into cells andexpressing the IgG (Nature Biotechnology (1998) 16, 677-681). A methodfor selecting a common L chain that shows strong binding ability to anydifferent H chains can also be used when selecting a common H chain (WO2004/065611).

Furthermore, an Fc region whose C-terminal heterogeneity has beenimproved can be appropriately used as an Fc region of the presentinvention. More specifically, Fc regions lacking glycine at position 446and lysine at position 447, as specified by EU numbering, in the aminoacid sequences of two polypeptides constituting an Fc region derivedfrom IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4, are provided.

A plurality, such as two or more, of these techniques can be used incombination.

Furthermore, these techniques can be appropriately and separatelyapplied to the two H chains to be associated. Furthermore, thesetechniques can be used in combination with the above-mentioned Fc regionof which Fcγ receptor-binding activity has been decreased. Furthermore,an antigen-binding molecule of the present invention may be a moleculeproduced separately based on an antigen-binding molecule subjected tothe above-described modifications so as to have the same amino acidsequence.

An antigen-binding molecule of the present invention can be any moleculeas long as it comprises:

-   (i) a domain that binds to a molecule expressed on the surface of a    cell having immune response-suppressing function; and-   (ii) a T cell receptor complex-binding domain, mentioned above, and    its structure is not limited. By comprising these two binding    domains, the antigen-binding molecule can activate immune responses    through inhibition of the immune response-suppressing effect by the    molecule-expressing cell described in (i), and induce excellent    cytotoxicity on cancer cells or cancer cell-comprising tumor    tissues. The binding domains described in (i) and (ii) of the    present invention can be appropriately selected from among the    above-described molecules expressed on the surface of cells having    immune response-suppressing function or antigens belonging to the T    cell receptor complex, respectively. These binding domains can be    directly linked by a peptide bond or via a linker.

The antigen-binding molecules of the present invention may furthercomprise an FcRn-binding domain. When using the Fc region of theabove-described antibody as the FcRn-binding domain, an Fc region withdecreased Fcγ receptor-binding activity is preferred. Reducing the Fcγreceptor-binding activity enables suppression of side effects producedby systemic immune activation, such as cytokine release, caused bycrosslinking between Fcγ receptor-expressing cells and T cell receptorcomplex-expressing cells.

Antigen-binding molecules of the present invention can be produced usingthe known methods described above.

For example, when (i) F(ab′)₂ is used as the domain that binds to amolecule expressed on the surface of a cell having immuneresponse-suppressing functions, (ii) F(ab′)₂ is used as a T cellreceptor complex-binding domain, and (iii) a domain comprising an Fcregion with decreased Fcγ receptor-binding activity is used as theFcRn-binding domain, and when the antigen-binding domains described in(i) and (ii) and the Fc region-comprising domain described in (iii) aredirectly linked by peptide bonds, the linked polypeptides form anantibody structure. Such antibodies can be produced by purification fromthe above-described hybridoma culture medium, and also by purifyingantibodies from the culture medium of desired host cells that stablycarry polynucleotides encoding polypeptides constituting the antibody.

In addition to the linkers exemplified above, linkers with peptide tagssuch as His tag, HA tag, myc tag, and FLAG tag may also be suitably usedas the linkers to be employed when connecting each of the domains vialinkers. Furthermore, hydrogen bonding, disulfide bonding, covalentbonding, ionic interaction, or the property of mutual binding as aresult of combination thereof may be suitably used. For example, theaffinity between antibody CH1 and CL may be used, and Fc regions derivedfrom the above-described multispecific antibodies may also be used forheterologous Fc region association.

The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding theantigen-binding molecules of the present invention, and they can beincorporated into arbitrary expression vectors. Suitable hosts can betransformed with the expression vectors to produce cells that expressthe antigen-binding molecules. Antigen-binding molecules encoded by thepolynucleotides can be obtained by culturing cells that express theantigen-binding molecules, and collecting expression products from theculture supernatant. That is, the present invention relates to vectorscomprising a polynucleotide that encodes an antigen-binding molecule ofthe present invention, cells carrying such a vector, and methods forproducing antigen-binding molecules, which comprise culturing the cellsand collecting antigen-binding molecules from the culture supernatant.These can be obtained by techniques similar to those for recombinantantibodies mentioned above.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

From another perspective, the present invention provides pharmaceuticalcompositions comprising the above-described antigen-binding molecule asan active ingredient. Furthermore, the present invention relates topharmaceutical compositions that inhibit immune response-suppressingactivity (agents that inhibit immune response-suppressing activity),immune response activating agents, agents that induce cytotoxicity, cellproliferation-suppressing agents (cell proliferation inhibitors), andanticancer agents, which comprise the antigen-binding molecule as anactive ingredient (hereinafter, pharmaceutical compositions and such).Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention can be used asagents for treating cancer or agents for preventing cancer. The agentsthat inhibit immune response-suppressing activity, immune responseactivating agents, therapeutic agents that induce cytotoxicity, cellproliferation-suppressing agents, and anticancer agents of the presentinvention are preferably administered to subjects suffering from cancer,or subjects who may relapse.

Furthermore, in the present invention, agents that inhibit immuneresponse-suppressing activity, immune response activating agents,therapeutic agents that induce cytotoxicity, cell proliferationsuppressing agents, and anticancer agents, which comprise theabove-described antigen-binding molecule as an active ingredient can bepresented as methods for inhibiting immune response-suppressingactivity, methods for activating immune response, methods for inducingcytotoxicity, methods for suppressing cell proliferation, methods foractivating immunity against cancer cells or cancer cell-comprising tumortissues, or as methods for preventing or treating cancer, which comprisethe step of administering the antigen-binding molecule to a subject; orpresented as use of the antigen-binding molecules in producingpharmaceutical compositions for inhibiting immune response-suppressingactivity, pharmaceutical compositions for activating immune response,pharmaceutical compositions for inducing cytotoxicity, cellproliferation-suppressing agents, and anticancer agents; oralternatively, presented as antigen-binding molecules for use ininhibiting immune response-suppressing activity, activating immuneresponse, inducing cytotoxicity, suppressing cell proliferation,activating immunity against cancer cells or cancer cell-comprising tumortissues, or treating or preventing cancer.

In the present invention, “comprising the antigen-binding molecule as anactive ingredient” means containing the antigen-binding molecule as amajor active component, and does not limit the content of theantigen-binding molecule.

Furthermore, pharmaceutical compositions or such of the presentinvention can be used by combining multiple types of antigen-bindingmolecules as necessary. For example, by using a cocktail of a pluralityof antigen-binding molecules of the present invention that bind to thesame antigen, one can enhance the effect on cells expressing theantigen.

If necessary, the antigen-binding molecules of the present invention maybe encapsulated in microcapsules (microcapsules made fromhydroxymethylcellulose, gelatin, poly[methylmethacrylate], and thelike), and made into components of colloidal drug delivery systems(liposomes, albumin microspheres, microemulsions, nano-particles, andnano-capsules) (for example, see “Remington's Pharmaceutical Science16th edition”, Oslo Ed. (1980)). Moreover, methods for preparing agentsas sustained-release agents are known, and these can be applied to theantigen-binding molecules of the present invention (J. Biomed. Mater.Res. (1981) 15, 267-277; Chemtech. (1982) 12, 98-105; U.S. Pat. No.3,773,719; European Patent Application (EP) Nos. EP58481 and EP133988;Biopolymers (1983) 22, 547-556).

The pharmaceutical compositions, immune response activating agents,cytotoxicity inducing agents, cell proliferation-suppressing agents(cell proliferation inhibitors), or anticancer agents of the presentinvention may be administered either orally or parenterally to patients.Parental administration is preferred. Specifically, such administrationmethods include injection, nasal administration, transpulmonaryadministration, and percutaneous administration. Injections include, forexample, intravenous injections, intramuscular injections,intraperitoneal injections, and subcutaneous injections. For example,pharmaceutical compositions, therapeutic agents for inducing cellularcytotoxicity, cell proliferation-suppressing agents, or anticanceragents of the present invention can be administered locally orsystemically by injection. Furthermore, appropriate administrationmethods can be selected according to the patient's age and symptoms. Theadministered dose can be selected, for example, from the range of 0.0001mg to 1,000 mg per kg of body weight for each administration.Alternatively, the dose can be selected, for example, from the range of0.001 mg/body to 100,000 mg/body per patient. However, the dose of apharmaceutical composition of the present invention is not limited tothese doses.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention can beformulated according to conventional methods (for example, Remington'sPharmaceutical Science, latest edition, Mark Publishing Company, Easton,U.S.A.), and may also contain pharmaceutically acceptable carriers andadditives. Examples include, but are not limited to, surfactants,excipients, coloring agents, flavoring agents, preservatives,stabilizers, buffers, suspension agents, isotonic agents, binders,disintegrants, lubricants, fluidity promoting agents, and corrigents,and other commonly used carriers can be suitably used. Specific examplesof the carriers include light anhydrous silicic acid, lactose,crystalline cellulose, mannitol, starch, carmellose calcium, carmellosesodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose,polyvinylacetal diethylaminoacetate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, gelatin,medium-chain triglyceride, polyoxyethylene hardened castor oil 60,saccharose, carboxymethyl cellulose, corn starch, inorganic salt, andsuch.

Furthermore, the present invention provides methods for inducing damageto cancer cells or cancer cell-comprising tumor tissues, or methods forsuppressing proliferation of cancer cells or cancer cell-comprisingtumor tissues, by contacting the cells having a function of suppressinga certain immune response with antigen-binding molecules of the presentinvention that bind to the molecules expressed on the surface of thesecells and damaging the cells. Cancer cells or cancer cell-comprisingtumor tissues which become targets of the antigen-binding molecules ofthe present invention are not particularly limited, but they arepreferably carcinomas in which cells having immune response-suppressingactivity are involved in cancer progression, or carcinomas in which thenumber of regulatory T cells or exhausted T cells in the tumorcorrelates with the prognosis. Reported examples of such carcinomasinclude ovarian cancer (Non-patent Documents 11 and 12), gastric cancer(Non-patent Documents 13 and 14), esophageal cancer (Non-patent Document14), pancreatic cancer (Non-patent Document 15), renal cell carcinoma(Non-patent Document 16), hepatocellular carcinoma (Non-patent Document17), breast cancer (Non-patent Documents 18 and 19), malignant melanoma(Non-patent Document 20), non-small-cell lung cancer (Non-patentDocument 21), cervical cancer (Non-patent Document 22), glioblastoma(Non-patent Document 23), prostate cancer (Non-patent Document 24),neuroblastoma (Non-patent Document 25), chronic lymphocytic leukemia(Non-patent Document 26), papillary thyroid cancer (Non-patent Document27), colorectal cancer (Non-patent Document 28), and B-cellnon-Hodgkin's lymphoma (Non-patent Documents 29 and 30), and they aresuitable examples of carcinomas for the present invention. The term“cancer” as used herein means not only epithelial malignant tumors suchas ovarian cancer or gastric cancer, but also non-epithelial malignanttumors including hematopoietic organ cancers such as chronic lymphocyticleukemia and Hodgkin's lymphoma.

In the present invention, “contact” is carried out, for example, byadding an antigen-binding molecule of the present invention that bindsto an antigen to a solution of the cells expressing the target antigencultured in vitro. In this case, a form suitable for use of the addedantigen-binding molecule may be a solution, or a solid or such obtainedby freeze-drying, and the like. When added as an aqueous solution, anaqueous solution containing purely the antigen-binding molecule of thepresent invention alone may be used, or a solution containingsurfactants, excipients, coloring agents, perfumes, preservatives,stabilizers, buffers, suspending agents, isotonization agents, binders,disintegrants, lubricants, fluidity promoting agents, flavoring agents,and such described above may be used. The concentration used for theaddition is not particularly limited, but a suitable final concentrationin the culture solution is preferably in the range of 1 pg/ml to 1 g/ml,more preferably 1 ng/ml to 1 mg/ml, and even more preferably 1 μg/ml to1 mg/ml.

Furthermore, in another embodiment, “contact” of the present inventionis carried out, for example, by administering, to a non-human animalwith a cancer cell line of interest transplanted into their bodies, anantigen-binding molecule of the present invention that binds to amolecule expressed on the surface of a cell having the function ofsuppressing the immune response of the non-human animal; or bytransplanting a cancer cell line of interest into the body of anon-human animal expressing human-derived cells having immuneresponse-suppressing function, and then administering to the animal amolecule of the present invention that binds to a molecule expressed onthe surface of the human-derived cells. The method of administration maybe oral or parenteral, and parenteral administration is particularlypreferred. Specific examples of the administration method includeadministration by injection, transnasal administration, transpulmonaryadministration, and transdermal administration. Examples ofadministration by injection include intravenous injection, intramuscularinjection, intraperitoneal injection, and subcutaneous injection. Apharmaceutical composition, or a pharmaceutical composition forinhibiting immune response-suppressing activity, a pharmaceuticalcomposition for activating an immune response, or a pharmaceuticalcomposition for inducing cytotoxicity, a cell proliferation-suppressingagent (cell proliferation inhibitor), or an anticancer agent of thepresent invention can be administered systemically or locally, forexample, through administration by injection. The method ofadministration can be selected appropriately according to the age andsymptoms of the test animal. When administered as an aqueous solution,an aqueous solution containing purely the antigen-binding molecule ofthe present invention alone may be used, or a solution containingsurfactants, excipients, coloring agents, perfumes, preservatives,stabilizers, buffers, suspending agents, isotonization agents, binders,disintegrants, lubricants, fluidity promoting agents, flavoring agents,and such described above may be used. The dose can be selected, forexample, in the range from 0.0001 mg to 1000 mg per kilogram body weightfor a single administration. Alternatively, for example, the dose may beselected in the range of 0.001 mg/body to 100000 mg/body per patient.However, the amount of the antigen-binding molecule of the presentinvention administered is not limited to these doses.

The following method is suitably used as a method for evaluating ormeasuring cytotoxicity induced in the targeted cancer cells or cancercell-comprising tumor tissues, as a result of contacting the targetedcells or tissues with an antigen-binding molecule of the presentinvention. Examples of a method for evaluating or measuring thecytotoxic activity in vitro include methods for measuring cytotoxic Tcell activity, and such. Whether an antigen-binding molecule of thepresent invention has T cell cytotoxicity can be measured by knownmethods (for example, Current protocols in Immunology, Chapter 7.Immunologic studies in humans, Editor, John E. Coligan et al., JohnWiley & Sons, Inc., (1993) and the like). For activity measurements, anantigen-binding molecule which binds to an antigen different from theantigen bound by the antigen-binding domain of the present invention andis an antigen not expressed in the cells used for the examination can beused as a control in the same manner as the antigen-binding molecule ofthe present invention, and the activity can be determined to be presentwhen the antigen-binding molecule of the present invention shows astronger cytotoxic activity than the cytotoxic activity of theantigen-binding molecule used as a control.

To evaluate or measure cytotoxic activity in vivo, for example, cancercells or cancer cell-comprising tumor tissues which are targeted by anantigen-binding molecule of the present invention are intradermally orsubcutaneously transplanted to a non-human test animal, and then a testantigen-binding molecule is intravenously or intraperitoneallyadministered daily or with interval of few days, starting from the dayof transplantation or the following day. Tumor size is measured dailyand the differences in the change of tumor size can be defined as thecytotoxic activity. In a similar manner to the in vitro evaluation, acontrol antigen-binding molecule is administered, and an antigen-bindingmolecule of the present invention can be determined as exhibitingcytotoxic activity based on the finding that the tumor size in the groupsubjected to administration of an antigen-binding molecule of thepresent invention is significantly smaller than the tumor size in thegroup subjected to administration of the control antigen-bindingmolecule.

As a method for evaluating or measuring the suppressive effect onproliferation of cells expressing an antigen that is bound by a domainthat constitutes an antigen-binding molecule of the present invention,which domain binds to a molecule expressed on the surface of a cellhaving immune response-suppressing function, by contact with theantigen-binding molecule, a method of measuring the uptake ofisotope-labeled thymidine into cells or the MTT method may be suitablyused. As a method for evaluating or measuring the cellproliferation-suppressing activity in vivo, the same method as thatdescribed above for evaluating or measuring cytotoxic activity in vivomay be suitably used.

The present invention also provides kits for use in the methods of thepresent invention, which comprise an antigen-binding molecule of thepresent invention or an antigen-binding molecule produced by aproduction method of the present invention. Additionally, the kit mayinclude in its package, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, solvent,and instructions describing the method of use.

The present invention also relates to an antigen-binding molecule of thepresent invention or an antigen-binding molecule produced by aproduction method of the present invention for use in a method of thepresent invention.

Those skilled in the art will naturally understand that optionalcombinations of one or more of the embodiments described herein areincluded in the present invention, as long as they are not technicallyinconsistent based on common technical knowledge of those skilled in theart.

All prior art references cited herein are incorporated by reference intothis description.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Concept of T Cell-Redirecting Antibody Targeting aCell Surface Marker of a Regulatory T Cell (1-1) Antitumor Effects ofAnti-CTLA4 Antibodies Through Elimination of Regulatory T Cells

As described above in Background Art, Ipilimumab had been considered toinhibit CTLA4 expressed on the surface of effector T cells fromsuppressing effector T-cell activation, and thereby exhibit antitumoreffects However, recently, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicactivity (ADCC activity) against CTLA4-expressing T cells was alsoreported to be important, and elimination of regulatory T cells intumors and ADCC activity have been found to be important mechanisms ofaction for the antitumor effects of anti-CTLA4 antibodies.

On the other hand, ADCC activity by an IgG1 antibody induces cytotoxicactivity through binding of the antibody constant region to FcγR of NKcells or macrophages, and antibodies having a constant region that havebeen modified so as to enhance such binding are known to induce strongercytotoxic activities and demonstrate antitumor effects.

As mentioned above, binding to regulatory T cells or exhausted T cellsin a cancer microenvironment, and elimination of regulatory T cells orexhausted T cells by cytotoxic activity were found to exert strongantitumor effects. Therefore, if regulatory T cells or exhausted T cellscan be eliminated more powerfully, or more specifically, if strongercytotoxic activity can be exhibited, stronger antitumor effects can beexpected to be exerted.

(1-2) T Cell-Redirecting Antibody

Enhancement of the aforementioned ADCC activity, increase of retentionin blood, improvement of antigen-binding activity, and reduction ofimmunogenicity risk have been performed as techniques for improvingantibodies. Generally, antibodies recognize and bind a single epitope ofan antigen, therefore even when such techniques for improvement areapplied to the antibodies, only one type of antigen becomes the target.As molecules that inhibit multiple targets, antibodies that bind to twoor more types of antigens by one molecule (referred to as bispecificantibodies) have been studied. Since bispecific antibodies interact withtwo or more types of antigens, they have not only the effect ofneutralizing two or more types of antigens with one molecule, but alsothe effect of enhancing antitumor activities by crosslinking cellshaving cytotoxic activity with cancer cells.

Blinatumomab, which is a BiTE molecule, and Catumaxomab are known asbispecific antibodies that recognize a protein expressed on T cells(CD3ε or TCR) and a protein expressed on cancer cells (a cancerantigen). These molecules can bind to a cancer antigen and the CD3εchain expressed on a T cell with each of their two antigen-bindingdomains (scFv or Fab), and form intercellular crosslinks between the Tcells and the cancer antigen-expressing cells (FIG. 1). This way, such Tcell-redirecting antibodies can use T cells as effector cells to inducestrong cytotoxic activity against cancer antigen-expressing cells.

Meanwhile, antibodies that use T cells as effector cells and inducestrong cytotoxic activity against T cells have not been reported so far.For example, since CD3ε is a standard T cell marker, an IgG antibody(not having FcgR-binding activity) which binds to CD3εs using both arms(two Fabs) may be able to cause T cells to induce strong cytotoxicactivity against T cells by forming intercellular crosslink between aCD3ε-expressing T cell which will become an effector cell and aCD3ε-expressing T cell, as shown in FIG. 2-1, but this hardly occurs inreality. That is because an IgG antibody that binds to CD3εs using botharms (two Fabs) strongly binds to CD3εs expressed on the same cell dueto avidity via bivalent binding, intercellular crosslink is not formedbetween CD3ε-expressing T cells (FIG. 2-2).

Since CD3 is a standard T cell marker and it is expressed in both Tcells which will become the effector cells and T cells which will becomethe target (for example, regulatory T cells and exhausted T cells), Tcell-redirecting antibodies had been considered to be not able to exertcytotoxic activity against target T cells. More specifically, a Tcell-redirecting antibody against a T cell expressing antigen X, asurface marker of a specific T cell population (bispecific antibodyagainst CD3ε and antigen X) strongly binds to the target T cell (forexample, a regulatory T cell and an exhausted T cell) with avidity viabivalent binding, since CD3ε and antigen X are expressed on the target Tcell. Therefore, intercellular crosslinking was considered not to takeplace with T cells which will become effector cells (FIG. 3). In fact,there have been no reports of T cell-redirecting antibodies against Tcell antigens.

Therefore, T cell-redirecting antibodies against CTLA4 expressed onregulatory T cells and exhausted T cells (bispecific antibodies againstCD3ε and CTLA4), as shown in FIG. 4, are considered not to be able toinduce strong cytotoxic activity against regulatory T cells andexhausted T cells because both CD3ε and CTLA4 are expressed onregulatory T cells and exhausted T cells, which are target cells, andthe T cells which will become effector cells are not crosslinked withregulatory T cells and exhausted T cells. So far, there have been noreports on T cell-redirecting antibodies against regulatory T cells orexhausted T cells.

More specifically, it was unknown whether T cell-redirecting antibodiesagainst CTLA4 (anti-CTLA4/anti-CD3ε bispecific antibodies) can actuallydamage regulatory T cells by inducing intercellular crosslinking anddemonstrate antitumor effects in vivo. Therefore, we actually producedbispecific antibodies against CTLA4 and CD3 and tested whether they canachieve effects in vivo in mice and in vitro in humans.

Against standard cancer antigens, T cell-redirecting antibodies havebeen known to have stronger antitumor effects than antibodies having NKcell-utilizing ADCC activity; however, it had been unknown whether Tcell-redirecting antibodies against CTLA4 show stronger antitumoreffects than anti-CTLA4 antibodies with enhanced ADCC activity.

Example 2 Preparation and Assessment of ADCC Activity-EnhancedAntibodies Targeting Regulatory T Cells

(2-1) Expression and Purification of an ADCC Activity-Enhanced Antibodythat Binds Specifically to Mouse CTLA4 (hUH02hUL01-mFa55)

Genes encoding the variable regions of the anti-mouse CTLA4 antibodyhUH02hUL01 (the heavy chain variable region UH02 is SEQ ID NO: 28, andthe light chain variable region UL01 is SEQ ID NO: 29) were eachinserted into mouse IgG2a/kappa plasmids for expression in animals.Here, constant regions that have been modified so as to enhance bindingto mouse FcγR were used (the heavy chain constant region mFa55 is SEQ IDNO: 30, and the light chain constant region mkl is SEQ ID NO: 31).

Antibodies were expressed by the method described below. Cells of humanembryonic kidney cell-derived FreeStyle 293-F strain (Invitrogen) weresuspended in FreeStyle 293 Expression Medium (Invitrogen) at a celldensity of 1.33×10⁶ cells/mL, and seeded into each well of a 6-wellplate at 3 mL/well. The prepared plasmids were introduced into the cellsby a lipofection method. The cells were cultured for four days in a CO₂incubator (37° C., 8% CO₂, 90 rpm). From the culture supernatants,antibodies were purified using rProtein A Sepharose™ Fast Flow (AmershamBiosciences) by a method known to those skilled in the art. Absorbanceat 280 nm of the purified antibody solutions was measured using aspectrophotometer. Concentrations of the purified antibodies werecalculated from the determined values using an extinction coefficientcalculated by the PACE method (Protein Science (1995) 4: 2411-2423).

(2-2) Assessment of Binding of the Anti-Mouse CTLA4 Antibody(hUH02UL01-mFa55) to Various Mouse FcgRs

Anti-mouse CTLA4 antibody hUH02hUL01-mFa55 and control antibodyhUH02hUL01-mIgG2a (the heavy chain variable region UH02 is SEQ ID NO:28, the light chain variable region UL01 is SEQ ID NO: 29, the heavychain constant region mIgG2a is SEQ ID NO: 32, and the light chainconstant region mkl is SEQ ID NO: 31) purified and prepared by themethod of Example 2-1 were analyzed for their antigen-antibody reactionswith various mouse FcgRs (mFcgRI, II, III, and IV) using Biacore T200(GE Healthcare). The running buffer used was 20 mmol/L ACES, 150 mmol/LNaCl, 0.05% (w/v) Tween20 at pH7.4, and measurements were taken at 25°C. Protein A/G was immobilized onto a Sensor Chip CM7 by amine coupling.hUH02hUL01-mFa55 was captured onto the sensorchip, and then FcgR wasallowed to interact as an analyte for 120 seconds, and change in thebound amount was observed. The running buffer was used for dilution ofhUH02hUL01-mFa55. The measurement results were analyzed by curve fittingusing the Biacore T200 Evaluation Software (GE Healthcare) to calculatethe association rate constants ka (1/Ms) and the dissociation rateconstants kd (1/s). From those values, the dissociation constants K_(D)(M) were determined. The measurement results are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 mFcgRI mFcgRII 1:1 binding RI = 0 1:1 binding RI = 0 Name ka kdKD ka kd KD No. of Fc (1/Ms) (1/s) (M) (1/Ms) (1/s) (M) 1 mIgG2a 7.8E+054.7E−03 6.1E−09 1.3E+06 1.1E+00 7.8E−07 2 mFa5S 1.2E+06 3.1E−03 2.5E−092.1E+06 7.6E−01 3.7E−07 mFcgRIII mFcgRIV 1:1 binding RI = 0 1:1 bindingRI = 0 ka kd KD ka kd KD No. (1/Ms) (1/s) (M) (1/Ms) (1/s) (M) 1 2.0E+065.1E−01 2.5E−07 1.2E+06 1.6E−02 1.3E−08 2 2.4E+06 6.2E−01 2.6E−071.5E+06 2.8E−03 1.9E−09(2-3) Evaluation of an Anti-Mouse CTLA4 Antibody (hUH02UL01-mFa55) as anADCC Activity-Enhanced Antibody

Whether anti-mouse CTLA4 antibody hUH02hUL01-mFa55 purified and preparedby the method of Example 2-1 exerts ADCC activity on mouseCTLA4-expressing cells (mouse CTLA4-expressing cells were produced by amethod known to those skilled in the art by introducing the full lengthmouse CTLA4 gene into CHO cells) was examined according to the method ofReference Example 1. The measurement results show ADCC activity in anantibody concentration-dependent manner (FIG. 5).

Example 3 Preparation and Assessment of Bispecificity Which RecognizesSurface Antigens of Regulatory T Cells and Effector T Cells

(3-1) Expression and Purification of Bispecific Antibodies thatSpecifically Bind to Mouse CTLA4 and Mouse CD3

Genes encoding the variable regions of the anti-mouse CTLA4 antibodyhUH02hUL01 (the heavy chain variable region UH02 is SEQ ID NO: 28, andthe light chain variable region UL01 is SEQ ID NO: 29) were eachinserted into human IgG1/kappa plasmids for expression in animals. Here,constant regions that have been modified so as to reduce binding to Fcγreceptors and to produce heterologous association of two heavy chainswere used (the heavy chain constant region F760nN17 is SEQ ID NO: 33,and the light chain constant region k0 is SEQ ID NO: 34).

Genes encoding the variable regions of the anti-mouse CD3 antibody 2C11(the heavy chain variable region is SEQ ID NO: 35, and the light chainvariable region is SEQ ID NO: 36) were each inserted into humanIgG1/kappa plasmids for expression in animals. Here, constant regionsthat have been modified so as to reduce binding to Fcγ receptors and toproduce heterologous association of two heavy chains were used (theheavy chain constant region F760nP17 is SEQ ID NO: 37, and the lightchain constant region k0 is SEQ ID NO: 34).

Each of hUH02hUL01-F760nN17 and 2C11-F760nP17 was expressed and purifiedby the method shown in Example 2. Each of the purified homologous formswas mixed by a method known to those skilled in the art that usesdifferences in the charges of the constant regions (Proc. Natl. Acad.Sci., 110, 5145-5150, 2013) to produce the bispecific antibody ofinterest (hUH02UL01/2C11-F760).

(3-2) Evaluation of a Bispecific Antibody that Specifically Binds toMouse CTLA4 and Mouse CD3 for the Antigen (mCTLA4 and mCD3)-BindingProperties

Anti-mouse CTLA4/anti-mouse CD3 bispecific antibodies(hUH02UL01/2C11-F760) purified and prepared by the method of Example 3-1were analyzed for their antigen-antibody reactions with each antigen(mCTLA4 and mCD3) using Biacore T200 (GE Healthcare). The running bufferused was HBS-EP+ at pH7.4, and measurements were taken at 37° C. ProteinA/G was immobilized onto a Sensor Chip CM4 by amine coupling.hUH02UL01/2C11-F760 was captured onto the sensor chip, and then theantigen (mouse CTLA4 or mouse CD3) was allowed to interact as an analyte(for 120 seconds for mouse CTLA4 and for 90 seconds for mouse CD3), andchanges in the bound amount were observed. The running buffer was usedfor dilution of hUH02UL01/2C11-F760. The measurement results wereanalyzed by curve fitting using the Biacore T200 Evaluation Software (GEHealthcare) to calculate the association rate constants ka (1/Ms) andthe dissociation rate constants kd (1/s). From those values, thedissociation constants K_(D) (M) were determined. The results are shownin Table 2.

TABLE 2 No Analyte ka (1/Ms) kd (1/s) KD (M) 1 Mouse CTLA4 4.30E+055.30E−04 1.23E−09 2 Mouse CD3 6.16E+04 7.12E−02 1.16E−06(3-2) Evaluation of Cytotoxic Activity by an Anti-Mouse CTLA4/Anti-MouseCD3 Bispecific Antibody (hUH02UL01/2C11-F760)

Whether anti-mouse CTLA4/anti-mouse CD3 bispecific antibody(hUH02UL01/2C11-F760) purified and prepared by the method of Example 3-1exerts cytotoxic activity on mouse CTLA4-expressing cell lines wasexamined according to the method of Reference Example 2. The measurementresults show cytotoxic activity in an antibody concentration-dependentmanner (FIG. 6).

Example 4 Assessment of Crosslinking Between Beads to Which CD3 andCTLA4 Have Been Immobilized and CD3-Bound Beads by an Anti-MouseCTLA4/Anti-Mouse CD3 Bispecific Antibody (hUH02UL01/2C11-F760)

Whether an anti-CTLA4/anti-CD3 bispecific antibody recognizes surfaceantigens of a regulatory T cell (expressing CTLA4 and CD3) and aneffector T cell (expressing CD3) and forms a crosslink between the twocells was verified by a physicochemical experiment.

First, the present inventors investigated, using Alpha technology fromPerkin Elmer Inc., construction of a system that can evaluatecrosslinking between mouse CD3-immobilized beads and mouseCTLA4-immobilized beads using the anti-mouse CTLA4/anti-mouse CD3bispecific antibody (hUH02UL01/2C11-F760) purified and prepared by themethod of Example 3-1. More specifically, 100 nmol/L of biotinylatedmouse CTLA4; 0, 20, 100, or 500 nmol/L of hUH02UL01/2C11-F760; 50 μg/mLof AlphaScreen (registered trademark) Streptavidin-coated Donor Beads(PerkinElmer); and mouse CD3-acceptor beads prepared by conjugating 50μg/mL of mouse CD3 to AlphaScreen (registered trademark) UnconjugatedAcceptor Beads (PerkinElmer) were used. Under this condition, it wasthought that biotinylated mouse CTLA4 bound to AlphaScreen (registeredtrademark) Streptavidin-coated Donor Beads and mouse CD3-acceptor beadsmay be crosslinked by hUH02UL01/2C11-F760 as shown in FIG. 7-1, andchemiluminescence may be emitted. Alpha 384 (PerkinElmer) was used asthe plate, and the measurements were taken using Envision. Allexperiments were performed three times. As a result, hUH02UL01/2C11-F760concentration-dependent crosslinking between beads was observed as shownin FIG. 7-2.

Next, 100 nmol/L of biotinylated mouse CTLA4 and 10 nmol/L ofbiotinylated mouse CD3 were added to AlphaScreen (registered trademark)Streptavidin-coated Donor Beads (PerkinElmer) to produce donor beadsthat mimic regulatory T cells expressing CTLA4 and CD3. Whether additionof 100 nmol/L of hUH02UL01/2C11-F760 can cause crosslinking betweendonor beads and acceptor beads in the presence of 50 μg/mL mouseCD3-acceptor beads (acceptor beads mimicking effector T cells) wasexamined. The condition in which hUH02UL01/2C11-F760 is not added to 100nmol/L of biotinylated mouse CTLA4; 50 μg/mL of AlphaScreen (registeredtrademark) Streptavidin-coated Donor Beads (PerkinElmer); and 50 μg/mLof mouse CD3-acceptor beads was used as the control in whichcrosslinking between each of the beads are not caused. All experimentswere performed three times. The results shown in FIG. 7-3 were obtainedfrom the experiments, and it was confirmed that even under the conditionwhere biotinylated mouse CD3 and mouse CTLA4 may be present on the samebead, the anti-mouse CTLA4/anti-mouse CD3 bispecific antibody crosslinksthe donor bead and acceptor bead as shown in FIG. 7-4.

The condition where biotinylated mouse CD3 and mouse CTLA4 are bound onthe donor beads was considered to be mimicking regulatory T cells(expressing CTLA4 and CD3), and mouse CD3-conjugated acceptor beads wasconsidered to be mimicking effector T cells (expressing CD3). It wasconfirmed that the anti-mouse CTLA4/anti-mouse CD3 bispecific antibodycrosslinks donor beads with acceptor beads under this condition as well,which suggests that even for regulatory T cells and effector T cells, ananti-CTLA4/anti-CD3 bispecific antibody may be able to form crosslinkingbetween the two cells in a similar manner.

Example 5 In Vivo Drug Efficacy Evaluation Using an Anti-MouseCTLA4/Anti-Mouse CD3 Bispecific Antibody (hUH02UL01/2C11-F760)(Intratumoral Administration)

Whether the anti-mouse CTLA4 antibody hUH02hUL01-mFa55 purified andprepared by the method of Example 2-1 and the anti-mouseCTLA4/anti-mouse CD3 bispecific antibody (hUH02UL01/2C11-F760) purifiedand prepared by the method of Example 3-1 shows in vivo drug efficacyagainst a mouse colorectal cancer cell line was verified. 1×10⁶ mousecolorectal cancer cell line CT26.WT cells (ATCC) were subcutaneouslytransplanted into the right abdomen of BALB/c mice (Japan Charles River)to establish solid tumor. Ten days after the transplantation,hUH02hUL01-mFa55 was administered at a dose of 200 μg/mouse andhUH02UL01/2C11-F760 was administered at a dose of 100 μg/mouse,intratumorally (i.t.) (n=2 for each group). The results elucidated thathUH02UL01/2C11-F760 shows stronger antitumor effects in comparison tohUH02hUL01-mFa55, and shows remarkable antitumor effects in vivo (FIG.8). More specifically, the results suggested that hUH02UL01/2C11-F760recognizes the surface antigens of regulatory T cells (expressing CTLA4and CD3) and effector T cells (expressing CD3), and causes crosslinkingbetween the two cells in vivo.

Example 6 In Vivo Drug Efficacy Evaluation of an Anti-MouseCTLA4/Anti-Mouse CD3 Bispecific Antibody (hUH02UL01/2C11-F760)(Comparison Between Intratumoral Administration and IntravenousAdministration)

The anti-mouse CTLA4/anti-mouse CD3 bispecific antibody(hUH02UL01/2C11-F760) purified and prepared by the method of Example 3-1was assessed on whether it shows drug efficacy on the mouse colorectalcancer cell line CT26.WT-transplanted model described in Example 5 evenwhen administered intravenously (i.v.). 1×10⁶ CT26.WT cells (ATCC) weresubcutaneously transplanted into the right abdomen of BALB/c mice (JapanCharles River) to establish solid tumor. Eight days after thetransplantation, hUH02UL01/2C11-F760 was administered at a dose of 100μg/mouse intratumorally (i.t.) or intravenously (i.v.) (n=5 for eachgroup). The results elucidated that hUH02UL01/2C11-F760 shows equivalentantitumor effects in both intratumoral and intravenous administration,and shows antitumor effects in vivo regardless of whether it isadministered locally or systemically (FIG. 9).

Example 7 In Vitro Drug Efficacy Evaluation of an Anti-HumanCTLA4/Anti-Human CD3 Bispecific Antibody

(7-1) Expression and Purification of a Bispecific Antibody thatSpecifically Binds to Human CTLA4 and Human CD3

Genes encoding the variable regions of the anti-human CTLA4 antibodyMDX10-F760nN17 (the heavy chain variable region MDX10H is SEQ ID NO: 38,and the light chain variable region MDX1OL is SEQ ID NO: 39) were eachinserted into human IgG1/kappa plasmids for expression in animals. Here,constant regions that have been modified so as to reduce binding to Fcγreceptors and to produce heterologous association of two heavy chainswere used (the heavy chain constant region F760nN17 is SEQ ID NO: 33,and the light chain constant region k0 is SEQ ID NO: 34).

Genes encoding the variable regions of the anti-human CD3 antibodyTR01H113-F760mG3P17 (the heavy chain variable region TR01H113 is SEQ IDNO: 40, and the light chain variable region L0011 is SEQ ID NO: 41) wereeach inserted into human IgG1/kappa plasmids for expression in animals.Here, constant regions that have been modified so as to reduce bindingto Fcγ receptors and to produce heterologous association of two heavychains were used (the heavy chain constant region F760nG3P17 is SEQ IDNO: 42, and the light chain constant region k0 is SEQ ID NO: 34).

Each of MDX10-F760nN17 and TR01H113-F760nG3P17 was expressed andpurified by the method shown in Example 2. Each of the purifiedhomologous forms was mixed in the combination shown in Table 3, and thebispecific antibody of interest was produced by a method known to thoseskilled in the art (WO2015/046467).

TABLE 3 No Name of clone Antibody 1 Antibody 2 1 MDX10//TR01H113MDX10-F760nN17 TR01H113-F760nG3P17

In addition, there are other techniques for forming bispecificantibodies. Examples include methods for antibody production usingassociation of antibody CH1 and CL, and association of VH and VL asdescribed in WO 2011/028952, WO2014/018572, and Nat Biotechnol. 2014Feb; 32(2):191-8; methods using association of CH1 and CL or VH and VL,which are described in Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2011 Jul 5;108(27):11187-92, WO2009/080251, WO2009/080252, and WO2009/080253;methods for regulating association between antibody heavy chain CH3s,which are described in WO2012/058768 and WO2013/063702; methods thatutilize charge regulation of CH1 and CL, which are described inWO2006/106905; and methods that utilize charge regulation of VH and VL,which are described in WO2013/065708. The bispecific antibody ofinterest can be produced by applying the above-mentioned technologies toan anti-human CTLA4 antibody (the heavy chain variable region MDX1OH isSEQ ID NO: 38, and the light chain variable region MDX1OL is SEQ ID NO:39) and an anti-human CD3 antibody (the heavy chain variable regionTR01H113 is SEQ ID NO: 40, and the light chain variable region L0011 isSEQ ID NO: 41).

(7-2) In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of an Anti-Human CTLA4/Anti-Human CD3Bispecific Antibody on Regulatory T Cells

Blood was collected using heparin from two healthy donors. Each bloodsample was diluted with HBSS (GIBCO) containing 5% FBS (MoregateBioTech), and then layered onto Ficoll-Paque Plus (GE healthcare). Thiswas centrifuged at 400×g for 30 minutes to separate the peripheral bloodmonocyte (PBMC) fraction. The obtained PBMCs were seeded into a 96-wellround-bottom plate (Corning) at 5×10⁵ cells/well using RPMI 1640(Nacalai Tesque) medium containing 10% FBS, and 100 Units/mLpenicillin—100 μg/mL Streptomycin (GIBCO).

The control antibody (the anti-KLH human IgG1 heavy chain variableregion IC17H is SEQ ID NO: 43, the light chain variable region IC17L isSEQ ID NO: 44, the heavy chain constant region hIgGld is SEQ ID NO: 45,and the light chain constant region k0 is SEQ ID NO: 34) orMDX10//TR01H113 was diluted with the medium to each produce a finalconcentration of 0.1 μg/mL, 1 μg/mL, or10 μg/mL, and added to the wells.The cells were cultured for seven days in a CO₂ incubator set at 37° C.and 5% CO₂.

Seven days later, the cells were transferred to a V-bottom plate(Corning), and centrifuged at 400×g for five minutes to remove thesupernatant. The cells were resuspended in 100 μL of FcR blockingreagent (Miltenyi Biotec) diluted ten times with PBS containing 1% FBSand 2 mM EDTA (Sigma) (FACS buffer). After incubating at roomtemperature for ten minutes, 2.5 μL of PerCP-Cγ5.5 Mouse Anti-Human CD4(BD Pharmingen), 5 μL of PE Mouse Anti-Human CD25 (BD Pharmingen), and2.5 μL of PE-Cy7 Mouse Anti-Human CD45RA (BD Pharmingen) were added toeach well. After incubating at 4° C. for one hour, 100 μL of FACS bufferwas added. Centrifugation was performed at 400×g for five minutes toremove the supernatant.

Based on the protocol of Intracellular Fixation and Permeabilizationbuffer set (eBioscience), Human FoxP3 buffer A was added 100 μL at atime, this was incubated at room temperature for ten minutes in thedark. Subsequently, centrifugation was performed at 400×g for fiveminutes to remove the supernatant. Permeabilization buffer was added 100μL at a time, this was incubated at room temperature for 30 minutes inthe dark. Next, 100 μL of FACS buffer was added, centrifugation wasperformed at 400×g for five minutes to remove the supernatant. Thiswashing procedure was performed one more time.

The cells were resuspended in 100 μL of FACS buffer, Alexa Fluor488Anti-Human FoxP3 (BioLegend) was added 5 μL at a time, this wasincubated at room temperature for 30 minutes in the dark. 100 μL of FACSbuffer was added, and centrifugation was performed at 400×g for fiveminutes to remove the supernatant. This washing procedure was performedone more time. The cells were resuspended in 200 μL of FACS buffer, andanalyzed on a FACS CantoII flow cytometer (BD).

Expression analyses were performed using the FACSDiva Software (BD).CD4-positive cells were gated from the cell population subjected toanalysis and the expression of CD25 and CD45RA was analyzed. TheCD25^(high) CD45RA⁻ fraction and the CD25⁻ CD45RA⁺ fraction wereregarded as the regulatory T cells (Treg) and effector T cells (Teff),respectively. Furthermore, the FoxP3^(high)CD45RA⁻ fraction and theFoxP3⁻CD45RA⁺ fraction were regarded as Treg and Teff, respectively. TheTeff/Treg ratio was calculated from the proportion of Treg and Teffpresent in CD4-positive cells.

The results of analyzing CD4-positive cells based on the expression ofCD25 and CD45RA are shown (FIG. 10-1). In Donor 1, treatment withMDX10//TR01H113 at 1 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL showed decrease in Treg. InDonor 2, treatment at 1 μg/mL showed a decreasing trend in Treg, andtreatment at 10 μg/mL showed marked decrease in Treg (FIG. 10-2). Inboth donors, treatment with MDX10//TR01H113 at 1 μg/mL and 10 μg/mLincreased the Teff/Treg ratios (FIG. 10-3).

Furthermore, results of analyzing Treg based on the expression of FoxP3and CD45RA are shown in FIG. 11-1. Similarly to the analyses using CD25and CD45RA, treatment with MDX10//TR01H113 decreased Treg and increasedthe Teff/Treg ratios (FIGS. 11-2 and 11-3).

According to these examinations, TRAB (a bispecific antibody againstCTLA4 and CD3) which showed stronger antitumor effects with regard tocytotoxic activity against regulatory T cells expressing CTLA4 in vivoin mice, also showed strong cytotoxic activity against regulatory Tcells in vitro in humans; therefore, TRAB is expected to demonstratestrong antitumor effects towards cancer patients.

Example 8 Analysis of Surface Molecules Expressed in Cell Fractions(CD4⁺, CD25^(high), CD45RA) that Have Been Reported to Have High ImmuneResponse-Suppressing Runction

Among the cells having immune response-suppressing functions, regulatoryT cells (Treg) in CD4-positive T cells calculated based on CD25 andCD45RA expression, that is the CD4⁺ CD25^(high) CD45RA⁻ cell fraction,have been reported to have high immune response-suppressing functions(Immunity, 2009, 30 (6), 899-911). Based on this information, a genewhich encodes a cell surface molecule showing significantly highexpression in the CD25^(high) CD45RA⁻ cell fraction among theCD4-positive cells was identified using RNA-seq. As a result, amongCTLA4, PD1, TIM3, LAG3, CD244 (2B4), CD160, GARP, OX40, CD137 (4-1BB),CD25, VISTA, BTLA, TNFR25, CD57, KLRG1, CCR2, CCR5, CCR6, CD39, CD73,CD4, CD18, CD49b, CD1d, CD5, CD21, TIM1, CD19, CD20, CD23, CD24, CD38,CD93, IgM, B220(CD45R), CD317, PD-L1, CD11b, Ly6G, ICAM-1, FAP, PDGFR,Podoplanin, and TIGIT, which are molecules expressed on the surface ofcells having immune response-suppressing function, nine molecules whichare CTLA4, TIM3, LAG3, CD137 (4-1BB), CD25, CCR5, CCR6, CD38, and TIGITwere found to be cell surface molecules highly expressed specifically inthe cell fractions (CD4⁺, CD25^(high), CD45RA⁻) that have been reportedto have high immune response-suppressing functions.

Example 9 In Vitro Drug Efficacy Evaluation of an Anti-HumanLAG3/Anti-Human CD3 Bispecific Antibody

(9-1) Expression and Purification of a Bispecific Antibody thatSpecifically Binds to Human LAG3 and Human CD3

Genes encoding the variable regions of the anti-human LAG3 antibody25F7-F760nN17 (the heavy chain variable region 25F7H is SEQ ID NO: 46,and the light chain variable region 25F7L is SEQ ID NO: 47) were eachinserted into human IgGl/kappa plasmids for expression in animals. Here,constant regions that have been modified so as to reduce binding to Fcγreceptors and to produce heterologous association of two heavy chainswere used (the heavy chain constant region F760nN17 is SEQ ID NO: 33,and the light chain constant region k0 is SEQ ID NO: 34).

Genes encoding the variable regions of the anti-human CD3 antibodyTR01H113-F760nG3P17 (the heavy chain variable region TR01H113 is SEQ IDNO: 40, and the light chain variable region L0011 is SEQ ID NO: 41) wereeach inserted into human IgG1/kappa plasmids for expression in animals.Here, constant regions that have been modified so as to reduce bindingto Fcγ receptors and to produce heterologous association of two heavychains were used (the heavy chain constant region F760nG3P17 is SEQ IDNO: 42, and the light chain constant region k0 is SEQ ID NO: 34).

Each of 25F7-F760nN17 and TR01H113-F760nG3P17 was expressed and purifiedby the method shown in Example 2. Each of the purified homologous formswas mixed in the combination shown in Table 4, and the bispecificantibody of interest was produced by a method known to those skilled inthe art (WO2015/046467).

TABLE 4 No Name of clone Antibody 1 Antibody 2 1 25F7//TR01H11325F7-F760nN17 TR01H113-F760nG3P17

(9-2) In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of an Anti-Human LAG3/Anti-Human CD3Bispecific Antibody on Regulatory T Cells

Blood was collected using heparin from healthy donors. Each blood samplewas diluted with PBS and then layered together with Ficoll-Paque Plus(GE healthcare) in a Leucosep tube (greiner bio-one). This wascentrifuged at 1000×g for 10 minutes to separate the peripheral bloodmonocyte (PBMC) fraction. The obtained PBMCs were seeded into a 96-wellround bottom plate (Corning) at 1×10⁶ cells/well using RPMI 1640(Nacalai Tesque) medium containing 10% FBS, and 100 Units/mLpenicillin—100 μg/mL Streptomycin (GIBCO).

TRAB (25F7//TR01H113) was diluted with the medium at a finalconcentration of 1 μg/mL or 10 μg/mL, and added to the wells. The cellswere cultured for four or six days in a CO₂ incubator set at 37° C. and5% CO₂.

Four or six days later, the cells were transferred to tubes for FACSanalysis, and centrifuged at 400×g for five minutes to remove thesupernatant. Cell WASH (BD Biosciences) containing 0.2% BSA (Wako) wasprepared, and this was used as the FACS Buffer. For complete removal ofmedium components, washing was performed by adding 2 mL of FACS Bufferto the cells from which the supernatant was removed and performing thecentrifugation again at 400×g for five minutes to remove thesupernatant.

FcR blocking reagent (Miltenyi Biotec) diluted ten-fold with the FACSBuffer, to which 1/1000 volume of eFluor780 (eBioscience) for stainingdead cells was added, was prepared and used as the Staining Buffer.Solution produced by adding 5 μL of PerCP Mouse Anti-Human CD4 (BDPharmingen), 2.5 μL of PE-Cy^(TM)7 Mouse Anti-Human CD45RA (BDPharmingen), and 5 μL of PE Mouse Anti-Human CD25 to 50 μL of theStaining Buffer was placed into each tube. After incubation at 4° C. forone hour, 2 mL of FACS buffer was added, and the centrifugation wasperformed at 400×g for five minutes to remove the supernatant. Then, asa washing procedure, an additional 2 mL of FACS buffer was added, andthe centrifugation was performed at 400×g for five minutes to remove thesupernatant. The cells were resuspended in 400 μL of FACS buffer andanalyzed on a FACSVerse™ flow cytometer (BD).

Expression analysis was carried out using the FACSDiva Software (BD).CD4-positive cells were gated from the cell population subjected foranalysis, from which dead cells had been removed, and the expression ofCD25 and CD45RA was analyzed. The CD25^(high) CD45RA⁻ fraction and theCD25⁻ CD45RA⁺ fraction were regarded as regulatory T cells (Treg) andeffector T cells (Teff), respectively. The Teff/Treg ratio wascalculated from the proportion of Treg and Teff present in CD4-positivecells.

The results of analyzing CD4-positive cells based on the expression ofCD25 and CD45RA are shown (FIG. 13). Treatment with TRAB(25F7//TR01H113) at 1 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL showed decrease in Treg in aTRAB antibody dose-dependent manner, both at four and six days after thetreatment (FIG. 14). Treatment with TRAB (25F7//TR01H113) at 1 μg/mL and10 μg/mL increased the Teff/Treg ratios (FIG. 15).

Example 10 In Vitro Drug Efficacy Evaluation of an Anti-HumanOX40/Anti-Human CD3 Bispecific Antibody

(10-1) Expression and Purification of a Bispecific Antibody thatSpecifically Binds to Human OX40 and Human CD3

Genes encoding the variable regions of the anti-human OX40 antibody12H3-F760nN17 (the heavy chain variable region 12H3VH is SEQ ID NO: 48,and the light chain variable region 12H3VL is SEQ ID NO: 49) were eachinserted into human IgG1/kappa plasmids for expression in animals. Here,constant regions that have been modified so as to reduce binding to Fcγreceptors and to produce heterologous association of two heavy chainswere used (the heavy chain constant region F760nN17 is SEQ ID NO: 33,and the light chain constant region k0 is SEQ ID NO: 34).

Genes encoding the variable regions of the anti-human CD3 antibodyTR01H113-F760nG3P17 (the heavy chain variable region TR01H113 is SEQ IDNO: 40, and the light chain variable region L0011 is SEQ ID NO: 41) wereeach inserted into human IgG1/kappa plasmids for expression in animals.Here, constant regions that have been modified so as to reduce bindingto Fcγ receptors and to produce heterologous association of two heavychains were used (the heavy chain constant region F760nG3P17 is SEQ IDNO: 42, and the light chain constant region k0 is SEQ ID NO: 34).

Each of 12H3-F760nN17 and TR01H113-F760nG3P17 was expressed and purifiedby the method shown in Example 2. Each of the purified homologous formswas mixed in the combination shown in Table 5, and the bispecificantibody of interest was produced by a method known to those skilled inthe art (WO2015/046467).

TABLE 5 No Name of clone Antibody 1 Antibody 2 1 12H3//TR01H11312H3-F760nN17 TR01H113-F760nG3P17

(10-2) In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of an Anti-Human OX40/Anti-Human CD3Bispecific Antibody on Regulatory T Cells

Blood was collected using heparin from two healthy donors. Each bloodsample was diluted with PBS and then layered together with Ficoll-PaquePlus (GE healthcare) in a Leucosep tube (greiner bio-one). Thecentrifugation was performed at 1000×g for 10 minutes to separate theperipheral blood monocyte (PBMC) fraction. The obtained PBMCs wereseeded into a 96-well round bottom plate (Corning) at 1×10⁶ cells/wellusing RPMI 1640 (Nacalai Tesque) medium containing 10% FBS, and 100Units/mL penicillin—100 μg/mL Streptomycin (GIBCO).

TRAB (12H3//TR01H113) was diluted with the medium at a finalconcentration of 1 μg/mL or 10 μg/mL, and was added to the wells. Thecells were cultured for seven days in a CO₂ incubator set at 37° C. and5% CO₂.

Seven days later, the cells were transferred to tubes for FACS analysis,and centrifuged at 400×g for five minutes to remove the supernatant.Cell WASH (BD Biosciences) containing 0.2% BSA (Wako) was prepared andused as the FACS Buffer. For complete removal of medium components,washing was performed by adding 2 mL of FACS Buffer to the cells fromwhich the supernatant was removed and performing the centrifugationagain at 400×g for five minutes to remove the supernatant.

FcR blocking reagent (Miltenyi Biotec) diluted ten-fold with the FACSBuffer, to which 1/1000 volume of eFluor780 (eBioscience) for stainingdead cells was added, was prepared and used as the Staining Buffer.Solution produced by adding 5 μL of PerCP Mouse Anti-Human CD4 (BDPharmingen), 2.5 μL of PE-Cy^(TM)7 Mouse Anti-Human CD45RA (BDPharmingen), and 5 μL of PE Mouse Anti-Human CD25 to 50 μL of theStaining Buffer was placed into each tube. After incubation at 4° C. forone hour, 2 mL of FACS Buffer was added, and the centrifugation wasperformed at 400×g for five minutes to remove the supernatant. Then, asa washing procedure, 2 mL of FACS buffer was further added, and thecentrifugation was performed at 400×g for five minutes to remove thesupernatant. The cells were resuspended in 400 μL of FACS buffer andanalyzed on a FACSVerse™ flow cytometer (BD).

Expression analysis was carried out using the FACSDiva Software (BD).CD4-positive cells were gated from the cell population subjected toanalysis, from which dead cells had been removed, and the expression ofCD25 and CD45RA was analyzed. The CD25^(high) CD45RA⁻ fraction and theCD25⁻ CD45RA⁺ fraction were regarded as regulatory T cells (Treg) andeffector T cells (Teff), respectively. The Teff/Treg ratio wascalculated from the proportion of Treg and Teff present in CD4-positivecells.

The results of analyzing CD4-positive cells based on the expression ofCD25 and CD45RA are shown (FIG. 16). Treatment of PBMCs derived fromboth donors with TRAB (12H3//TR01H113) at 1 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL showeddecrease in Treg in a TRAB antibody dose-dependent manner (FIG. 17).Treatment with TRAB (12H3//TR01H113) at 1 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL increasedthe Teff/Treg ratios (FIG. 18).

Reference Example 1 ADCC Activity of a Test Antibody Using MouseFcgR4-Expressing Human NK Cell Line NK-92 as the Effector Cells

Regarding anti-mouse CTLA4 antibodies, antibody concentration-dependentADCC activities of test antibodies were measured, using the mouseFcgR4-expressing human NK cell line NK-92 (hereinafter referred to asmFcgR4-NK92) as effector cells by following the method described below.

(1) Preparation of mFcgR4-NK92 Solution

After washing mFcgR4-NK92 with RPMI-1640 (nacalai tesque) containing 10%FBS (hereinafter referred to as 10% FBS/RPMI), the cells were suspendedin 10% FBS/RPMI at a cell density of 4×10⁵ cells/ml. This cellsuspension solution was used as the mFcgR4-NK92 solution in thesubsequent experiments.

(2) Preparation of Target Cells

To 2×10⁶ CHO/mouse CTLA4 cells which are CHO cells forced to expressmouse CTLA4, 3.7 MBq of Cr-51 was added. The Cr-51-added cells wereincubated in a 5% carbon dioxide gas incubator at 37° C. for one hour,then washed three times with 10% FBS/RPMI, and then suspended in 10%FBS/RPMI at a cell density of 2×10⁵ cells/ml. The cell suspension wasused as the target cells in the subsequent experiments.

(3) Chromium-Release Assay (ADCC Activity)

The ADCC activities were evaluated from the specific chromium releaserate according to the chromium release method. First, antibody solutionsprepared at each concentration (0, 0.04, 0.4, 4, and 40 μg/ml) wereadded to a 96-well U-bottomed plate at 50 μl per well. Next, the targetcells prepared in (2) were seeded at 50 μl per well (1×10⁴ cells/well).Furthermore, 10% FBS/RPMI was added at 50 μl per well, and the plate wasallowed to stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. The mFcgR4-NK92solution prepared in (1) was added at 50 μl per well (2×10⁴ cells/well),the plate was left to stand in a 5% carbon dioxide gas incubator at 37°C. for four hours, and resultant was centrifuged. The radioactivity of100 μl of culture supernatant in each well of the plate was measuredusing a gamma counter. The specific chromium release rate was determinedbased on the following equation.

Chromium release rate (%)=(A−C)×100/(B−C)

In this equation, “A” represents the mean value of radioactivity (cpm)of 100 μl of culture supernatant in each well; “B” represents the meanvalue of radioactivity (cpm) of 100 μl of culture supernatant in a wellwhere 50 μl of a 4% NP-40 aqueous solution (Nonidet P-40, NacalaiTesque) and 100 μl of 10% FBS/RPMI had been added to the target cells;and “C” represents the mean value of radioactivity (cpm) of 100 μl ofculture supernatant in a well where 150 μl of 10% FBS/RPMI had beenadded to the target cells. The examinations were performed in duplicateand the mean value for the specific chromium release rate (%) of thetest antibody was calculated.

Reference Example 2 Measurement of Cytotoxic Activity of a Test AntibodyUsing Mouse Splenocytes as Effector Cells

Regarding the anti-mouse CTLA4/anti-mouse CD3 bispecific antibody(hUH02UL01/2C11-F760), antibody concentration-dependent cytotoxicactivity of the test antibody was measured using mouse splenocytes aseffector cells, and by following the method described below.

(1) Preparation of Mouse Splenocyte Solution

Ten mL of 10% FBS/RPMI was added to the spleen excised from a BALB/cmouse. The spleen was sliced into small pieces and passed through a cellstrainer. After centrifugation (at 2,150 rpm for ten minutes at roomtemperature), a hemolysis procedure was performed using a MouseErythrocyte Lysing Kit (R&D Systems). After washing once with 10%FBS/RPMI, the cells were suspended in 10% FBS/RPMI at a cell density of6×10⁶ cells/ml. The cell suspension was used as the mouse splenocytesolution in the subsequent experiments.

(2) Cytotoxic Activity Evaluation Assay

Cytotoxic activity was evaluated by cell proliferation inhibition rateusing the xCELLigence Real-Time Cell Analyzer (Roche Diagnostics K.K.).CHO/mCTLA4 which is CHO forced to express mouse CTLA4 was used as thetarget cells. The cells were suspended in CHO-S-SFM II (Lifetechnologies) containing 10% FBS, and were seeded in aliquots of 100 μlinto an E-Plate 96 plate (Roche Diagnostics K.K.) at 5×10³ cells/well.Measurement of living cells was started using the xCELLigence Real-TimeCell Analyzer. On the following day, the plate was removed from thexCELLigence Real-Time Cell Analyzer, and 50 μl of the respectiveantibodies prepared at each concentration (0.04, 0.4, 4, or 40 μg/ml)were added to the plate. After allowing this to stand at roomtemperature for 15 minutes, 50 μ1 of the mouse splenocyte solutionprepared in (1) was added (3×10⁵ cells/well). By setting the plate intothe xCELLigence Real-Time Cell Analyzer again, measurement of livingcells was started. The reaction was carried out in a 5% carbon dioxidegas incubator at 37° C., and from the Cell Index value obtained 72 hoursafter addition of the mouse splenocyte solution, the cell proliferationinhibition rate (%) was determined using the following equation. TheCell Index value used in the calculation was a normalized value wherethe Cell Index value immediately before antibody addition was defined as1.

Cell proliferation inhibition rate (%)=(A−B)×100/(A−1)

“A” represents the mean value of the Cell Index values in wells withoutantibody addition (containing only the target cells and human PBMC), and“B” represents the mean value of the Cell Index values in each well. Theexaminations were performed in duplicate.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention provides novel antigen-binding molecules orpharmaceutical compositions having excellent antitumor activity.Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antigen-binding molecules ofthe present invention as active ingredients inhibit immuneresponse-suppressing functions, and thereby activate cytotoxic effectsand enable treatment and prevention of various cancers.

1. An antigen-binding molecule that inhibits immune response-suppressingactivity of a cell having an immune response-suppressing function,comprising: (i) a domain that binds to a molecule expressed on thesurface of a cell having an immune response-suppressing function; and(ii) a T cell receptor complex-binding domain.
 2. The antigen-bindingmolecule of claim 1, wherein the cell having immune response-suppressingfunction is a regulatory T cell or an exhausted T cell.
 3. Theantigen-binding molecule of claim 1, wherein the molecule expressed onthe surface of a cell having an immune response-suppressing function isa molecule selected from CTLA4, PD1, TIM3, LAG3, CD244 (2B4), CD160,GARP, OX40, CD137 (4-1BB), CD25, VISTA, BTLA, TNFR25, CD57, KLRG1, CCR2,CCRS, CCR6, CD39, CD73, CD4, CD18, CD49b, CDld, CDS, CD21, TIMI, CD19,CD20, CD23, CD24, CD38, CD93, IgM, B220 (CD45R), CD317, PD-L1, CD11b,Ly6G, ICAM-1, FAP, PDGFR, Podoplanin, and TIGIT.
 4. The antigen-bindingmolecule of claim 3, wherein the molecule expressed on the surface ofthe cell having an immune response-suppressing function is a moleculeselected from CTLA4, TIM3, LAG3, CD137 (4-1BB), CD25, CCR5, CCR6, CD38,TIGIT, and OX40.
 5. The antigen-binding molecule of claim 1, wherein theT cell receptor complex-binding domain is a T cell receptor-bindingdomain.
 6. The antigen-binding molecule of claim 1, wherein the T cellreceptor complex-binding domain is a CD3-binding domain.
 7. Theantigen-binding molecule of claim 1, which further comprises anFeRn-binding domain.
 8. The antigen-binding molecule of claim 7, whereinthe FcRn-binding domain is an Fc region of an antibody.
 9. Theantigen-binding molecule of claim 8, wherein the FcRn-binding domain isan Fc region of an antibody having reduced Fey receptor-bindingactivity.
 10. The antigen-binding molecule claim 1, which is amultispecific antibody.
 11. A pharmaceutical composition comprising theantigen-binding molecule of claim 1 as an active ingredient.
 12. Amethod for inhibiting suppression of an immune response, which comprisesadministering to a patient in need thereof an antigen-binding moleculethat inhibits the immune response-suppressing activity of a cell havingan immune response-suppressing function, wherein the antigen-bindingmolecule comprises: (i) a domain that binds to a molecule expressed onthe surface of a cell having an immune response-suppressing function;and (ii) a T cell receptor complex-binding domain.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the inhibition of an immune response-suppressingactivity is inhibition caused by a T cell.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein the inhibition caused by a T cell is inhibition resulting fromcytotoxic activity of the T cell.
 15. The method of claim 12, whereinthe inhibited immune response-suppressing activity is an activity of aregulatory T cell or an exhausted T cell.
 16. The method of claim 12,wherein the inhibited immune response suppressing activity is anactivity of a cell expressing a molecule selected from CTLA4, PD1, TIM3,LAG3, CD244 (2B4), CD160, GARP, OX40, CD137 (4-1BB), CD25, VISTA, BTLA,TNFR25, CD57, KLRG1, CCR2, CCRS, CCR6, CD39, CD73, CD4, CD18, CD49b,CD1d, CDS, CD21, TIM1, CD19, CD20, CD23, CD24, CD38, CD93, IgM, B220(CD45R), CD317, PD-L1, CD11b, Ly6G, ICAM-1, FAP, PDGFR, Podoplanin, andTIGIT.
 17. A method for treating cancer which comprises administering toa patient in need thereof an antigen-binding molecule that inhibitsimmune response-suppressing activity of a cell having an immuneresponse-suppressing function, wherein the antigen-binding moleculecomprises: (i) a domain that binds to a molecule expressed on thesurface of a cell having an immune response-suppressing function; and(ii) a T cell receptor complex-binding domain.
 18. The method of claim17, wherein the cancer is selected from ovarian cancer, gastric cancer,esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, renal cell carcinoma,hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, malignant melanoma,non-small-cell lung cancer, cervical cancer, glioblastoma, prostatecancer, neuroblastoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, papillary thyroidcancer, colorectal cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and endometriosis. 19.The method of claim 17, wherein the inhibition of an immuneresponse-suppressing activity is inhibition caused by a T cell.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the inhibition caused by a T cell isinhibition resulting from cytotoxic activity of the T cell.
 21. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the inhibited immune response-suppressingactivity is an activity of a regulatory T cell or an exhausted T cell.22. The method of claim 17, wherein the inhibited immune responsesuppressing activity is an activity of a cell expressing a moleculeselected from CTLA4, PD1, TIM3, LAG3, CD244 (2B4), CD160, GARP, OX40,CD137 (4-1BB), CD25, VISTA, BTLA, TNFR25, CD57, KLRG1, CCR2, CCRS, CCR6,CD39, CD73, CD4, CD18, CD49b, CD1d, CDS, CD21, TIMI, CD19, CD20, CD23,CD24, CD38, CD93, IgM, B220 (CD45R), CD317, PD-L1, CD11b, Ly6G, ICAM-1,FAP, PDGFR, Podoplanin, and TIGIT.